/ 



ZJ.J 



CatMttne Proton. 




Catharine, as a native Indian girl. 



MEMOIR 

ot 

CATHARINE BROWN, 

A 

CHRISTIAN INDIAN, 

OF THE 

CHEROKEE NATION. 



PREPARED FOR THE AMERICAN SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION, • 

BY REV. RUFUS ANDERSON, 

AND REVISED BY THE COMMITTEE OF PUBLICATION. 




AMERICAN SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION. 

PHILADELPHIA : 
NO. 146 CHESNUT STREET. 



1832. 



Entered according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1831, 
Dy Paul Beck, Jr. Treasurer, in trust for the American Sunday 
School Union, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court, of the 
Eastern District of Pennsylvania. 



PREFACE 



TO 

THE ORIGINAL WORK. 



This Memoir was commenced as 
a biographical article for the Mission- 
ary Herald. In its progress, however, 
the materials were found to be so 
abundant as to suggest the inquiry, 
whether a distinct publication were 
not expedient. 

Such a publication being advised 
by the Prudential Committee of the 
American Board of Foreign Missions, 
it is respectfully offered to those who 
feel interested in the success of mis- 
sionary efforts. 

The author is not conscious of hav- 
ing exaggerated a single fact, nor of 
having made a single statement not 
drawn from authentic documents. His 
object has been to give a plain and 



hr PREFACE, 

true exhibition of the life and charac- 
ter of a very interesting convert from 
heathenism. 

The hope is cherished, that this 
little volume will augment the cour- 
age, animate the zeal, and invigorate 
the efforts of the friends of missions, 
in their benevolent attempts to send 
the gospel of Jesus Christ to all 
nations. 

Missionary Rooms, 

Boston, Mass. Dec. 1824. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 



HER HISTORY UNTIL SHE ENTERED THE MISSION , 
SCHOOL AT BRAINERD. 

PAGE 

Her nativity. — Notice of her parents. — Igno- 
rance of her people. — Her triumph over 
temptation. — A missionary station com- 
menced at Chickamaugah, and named Brain- 
erd. — She becomes a member of the school. 9 



CHAPTER II. 

FROM HER ENTERING THE SCHOOL AT BRAINERD, UN- 
TIL HER REMOVAL BY HER PARENTS. 

Her appearance when she entered the school. 
— Her diligence and progress. — Her religi- 
ous knowledge. — Character of her teachers. 
— Her conversion, and solicitude tor her 
people. — Instance of earnest prayer. — Pros- 
pect of her removal. — Her baptism. — Tem- 
porary absence. — Admission to the church. 
— The early success at Brainerd uncom- 
mon. — The chief obstacles to success among 
the Indians. — Visit of the Treasurer of the 
American Board. — His account of the school, 
and description of Catharine. — She is re- 
moved from Brainerd. — Is visited by one of 
the missionaries. — Letter. - - 17 

a2 5 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER III. 

FROM HER RETURN TO BRAINERD, UNTIL SHE TAKES 
CHARGE OF A SCHOOL AT CREEK-PATH. 

PAGE 

Benefits resulting from her being taken from 
the school. — Her return. — Her brother Da- 
vid a member of the school. — His conversion. 
— Catharine and David visit their sick father. 
— A school established near Mr. Brown's. 
— Account of John Arch. — Efforts of Catha- 
rine and David at Brainerd. — The latter 
goes to New England. — His subsequent his- 
tory. — A female teacher wanted at Creek- 
Path.— Catharine undertakes this service. — 
Letters. 40 



CHAPTER IV. 

FROM HER TAKING CHARGE OF A SCHOOL AT CREEK- 
PATH, UNTIL HER SICKNESS. 

Extracts from her diary. — Her school. — Con- 
version of her parents and others of the 
family. — She and her family visit Brainerd. 
Traits in Catharine's character. — Further 
extracts from her diary.— Eulogium of her 
brother John. — She visits Huntsville. — Es- 
timation in which she was there held. — 
Goes to reside with her parents. — Appre- 
hensions respecting her health. — Goes to 
Brainerd for medical aid.— Returns.— Let- 
ters to different friends. 58 



CONTENTS. 



vii 



CHAPTER V. 

HER SICKNESS AND DEATH. 

PAGE 

Brief agitations of her mind. — Her love for her 
people. — Is visited by Dr. Campbell. — Let- 
ter to Mrs. Campbell. — Alarming symptoms 
in her disease. — Her resignation and conso- 
lations. — Dr. Campbell advises her removal 
to Limestone. — State of her mind at this 
time. — Strong manifestation of affection for 
her at Creek-Path. — Account of her removal. 
— Temporary improvement in her health. — 
Dictates a letter to her brother David. — 
Hopes of her recovery relinquished. — This 
fact stated to her father and herself. — Her 
last hours, death, and burial. — Monument. 94 



CHAPTER VI. 

HER CHARACTER. 

Remarks upon her character. — The excellen- 
cies in her character a result of missionary 
labour. — How much can be made of the In- 
dian character. — Grounds for encourage- 
ment. — Importance of present efforts. — Civi- 
lization never precedes Christianity. — The 
life of Catharine an appeal to the commu- 
nity, 113 



APPENDIX, 



124 



MEMOIR 
op 

CATHARINE BROWN. 



CHAPTER I. 

HER HISTORY UNTIL SHE ENTERED THE MISSION 
SCHOOL AT BRAINERD, 

Her nativity. — Notice of her parents. — Con- 
dition of her people. — Her triumph over 
temptation. — A missionary station com- 
menced at Chickamaugah, and named 
Brainerd. — She becomes a member of the 
school. 

Catharine Brown was born about the 
year 1800. The place of her nativity was a 
beautiful plain, covered with tall forest trees, 
in a part of the country belonging to the Che- 
rokee Indians, now called Wills-valley, and 
lying within the chartered limits of the State 
of Alabama. It is between the Raccoon and 
Lookout mountains, twenty-five miles south- 
east of the Tennessee river. David Brown, 
the brother of Catharine, says, that the name, 
by which the place is known among his 

9 



10 



MEMOIR OF 



countrymen, is Tsu-sau-ya-sah, or, the ruins 
of a great city : but, if such ruins ever exist- 
ed, all traces of them have long since disap- 
peared. 

The Indian name of Catharine's father, is 
Yau-nu-gung-yah-skiy which signifies the 
drowned by a bear. He is known among the 
whites by the name of John Brown. The 
Cherokee name of her mother is Tsa-luh: 
the whites call her Sarah. 

Neither of Catharine's parents understand 
the English language. They are now about 
sixty years of age. Since the decease of the 
daughter, whose history and character are to 
form the subject of this memoir, they have 
removed beyond the Mississippi river, to the 
Arkansas Territory, whither a part of the 
Cherokee nation of Indians have emigrated, 
within the last fifteen or twenty years.* 

* A more particular account of the family of Catharine, 
may be acceptable to the reader. 

Mr. John Brown was the son of a man named Brown, 
who has long been dead. It is not known whether he was 
a white man, or partly Indian. The mother of Mr. Brown 
was a " full-blooded" Cherokee. So, also was the mother 
of Mrs. Brown; but her father was white. Catharine's 
parents were brought up like others of their nation; — no 
better acquainted with the language, religion, manners, or 
customs of the white people. 

Mr. Brown has had three wives. The first had two chil- 
dren, neither of whom are living. One of these children 
became a man of much distinction. In the Creek war he 
had the title of colonel, as he commanded a large number 
of Cherokees, who made a part of the army under General 
Jackson. He was severely wounded at the battle of the 
Horseshoe; but recovered, and died subsequently of a fe- 



CATHARINE BROWN. 11 



Mr. Brown is represented as possessing a 
mind more than commonly discerning; yet 

ver, or consumption. He is said to have possessed uncom- 
mon powers of mind, and to have exerted much influence 
among his people. He is familiarly referred to by the name 
of Col. Dick Brovm. 

The children of Sarah, the second and present wife of 
Mr. Brown, were John, who died in the Christian faith, 
February, 1822, leaving a widow, Susannah, who is a pro- 
fessor of religion ; Catharine, the subject of this memoir ; 
and David, of whose piety hopes have been entertained for 
almost five years. 

The children of the third wife, named Wattee, or Betsy, 
who for some years, has been living in the Arkansas Terri- 
tory, are Polly, (or Mrs. Gilbreth,) Alexander, Susan, and 
Edmund. Polly and Susan are esteemed pious. 

Sarah and Betsy lived with Mr. Brown at the same time. 
But some difficulty arising, the latter separated from him. 

Sarah was the wife of a man named Webber, before she 
married Mr. Brown. The children by this marriage are 
Betsy, (now Mrs. Looney,) a professor of religion, and Wal- 
ter, called Col. Webber. He was at Washington city, about 
two years since, and possesses a handsome property. These 
children were quite young, when their father died. Col. 
Webber is now about thirty-five years old. 

It appears, therefore, that of Mr. Brown's family no less 
than nine have become hopefully pious, within the last 
seven years, viz. Mr. and Mrs. Brown, John, Catharine, 
David, Polly, Susan, Susannah, and Mrs. Looney. 

The reader will be apt to infer, when he sees individuals 
called by names and titles, with which he is familiar, that 
they are very much like other individuals whom he has 
known under similar titles ; in short, that they are civilized 
and intelligent persons. Such an inference, however, is 
not warranted. The mere possession of an English name, 
in an Indian country, is no evidence that the person thus 
distinguished is able to speak the English language, much 
less, that his habits are those of civilized life, or that his 
mind has been in any degree cultivated. 

As to the military titles of captain, major, colonel, and 
even general, they are conferred as a matter of courtesy, 
in consequence of some sort of undefined authority, which 
is exercised over others, and which is supposed to bear some 



12 



MEMOIR OF 



as having, when the missionaries first saw 
him, but few ideas on the subject of religion. 
He believed in a Supreme Being, the creator 
of the visible world, and that there is a state 
of rewards and punishments after the present 
life ; and appeared conscious, that there were 
things implied in this short creed, of which 
he had no distjnct apprehension ; such as the 
character of the Supreme Being, the nature 
of the rewards and punishments, and the 
manner in which the one is to be obtained, 
and the other avoided. He seemed, to have 
no notion of forgiveness of sin upon any terms. 
When told of these things, he said he had 
never heard of them before. 

Concerning the mother, less is known to 
the writer of this memoir. Her religious 
knowledge did not probably exceed that of 
her husband. She was more attentive to 
neatness and order in the arrangement of her 
family, and more conversant with domestic 
duties, than her countrywomen generally. 

But ignorant as were the parents of Catha- 
rine on the more important subjects, they be- 
longed to the more intelligent class of their 
people: for until within a few years, the 

distant analogy to the authority implied in these titles 
among us. Of course, the titles are conferred by the whites. 
In some instances, when Indian auxiliaries have been em- 
ployed in active warfare, by European governments, or by 
the United States, individuals may have received regular 
commissions. Mr. Brown and his son John were both do- 
nominated captain. 



CATHARINE BROWN. 



i3 



Oherokees had scarcely begun to feel an im- 
pulse towards civilization ; and indeed, as a 
nation, were almost entirely destitute of the 
means of intellectual or moral culture. In 
a very few instances, a youth was sent to 
school in the white settlements bordering on 
the Indian territory ; and still more rarely, 
perhaps, an outcast from civilized society 
would undertake, for a short time, and from 
interested, and perhaps sinister motives, to 
instruct among them. In 1801, a Moravian 
mission was established at what is now called 
Spring-place, and one or two excellent men 
have, since that period, resided there : but, 
their means having been limited, their influ- 
ence could not be extensive. Very com- 
mendable exertions in support of a school 
among the Cherokees, were also made, for a 
few years subsequent to 1803, by the Rev. 
Gideon Blackburn. 

Excepting these efforts, there was, until the 
year 1816, nothing done for the Cherokees by 
the Christian church, nothing by the civilized 
world. They inhabited a country, which is 
described as being susceptible of the highest 
cultivation : but most imperfect was their agri- 
culture. They possessed a language, that is 
said to have more precision and strength than 
some into which learning has poured richness 
of thought, and genius breathed the enchant- 
ments of fancy and eloquence : but they had 
no literature. Not a book existed in the lan- 
B 



14 



MEMOIR OF 



guage : the language was unwritten : the foun- 
tains of knowledge were sealed: the mind 
made no progress. 

After these statements, the reader will be 
prepared to credit what will be said, in the 
progress of this memoir, respecting Catharine's 
intellectual condition, when she first came un- 
der the care of the missionaries. 

It is pleasing to observe here, that her moral 
character was ever good. This is remarkable, 
considering the looseness of manners then 
prevalent among the females of her nation, 
ahd the temptations to which she was ex- 
posed, when, during the war with the Creek 
Indians, the army of the United States was 
stationed near her father's residence. Were 
it proper to narrate some well authenticated 
facts with reference to this period of her life, 
the reader would admire the protecting care 
of Providence. Once she even fled from her 
home into the wild forest, to preserve her 
character unsullied.* 

These occurrences took place before the 
establishment of a school at Brainerd, while 
Catharine was young, ignorant of the worlc}, 
without any clear views of morality, and des- 
titute of the knowledge and love of God. 
Strange that her resolution should then have 

* " I was pleased to find," says a friend, " that Gen. Jack- 
son, (who commanded in the war with the Creeks,) had a 
high opinion of Catharine. In the course of our conversa- 
tion he remarked, she was a v)oman of Roman virtue, and 
above suspicion. 



. CATHARINE BROWN. 15 



been so influenced by a sense of character. 
But she was a chosen vessel of mercy, and a 
hand, which she did not know, was doubtless 
extended for her preservation. 

Early in the autumn of 1816, a missionary, 
sent by the American Board of Commission- 
ers for Foreign Missions, made his appearance 
in a general Council of the Cherokees, and 
offered to establish schools among them. His 
offer was favourably received. After con- 
sultation, a principal chief took him by the 
hand, and said: " You have appeared in our 
full council. We have listened to what you 
have said, and understand it. We are glad to 
see you. We wish to have the schools esta- 
blished, and hope they will be of great advan- 
tage to the nation." This missionary was 
the Rev. Cyrus Kingsbury, who, after com- 
mencing the first establishment of the Board 
among the Cherokees, took up his residence 
with the Choctaws, was the chief agent in 
forming the stations of Elliot and Mayhew, 
and is now the superintendent of the Choctaw 
mission. 

The place selected for the first school, was 
called Chick-a-mau-gah ; but it subsequently 
received the name of Brainerd, in memory of 
David Brainerd, that devoted friend and bene- 
factor of the American Indians, who stands 
pre-eminent among modern missionaries. 
Early in the following spring, Mr. Moody 
Hall and Mr. Loring S. Williams, with their 



16 



MEMOIR OF 



wives, arrived as assistant missionaries, and, 
soon after their arrival, a school was opened 
under favourable prospects. 

Information of these proceedings soon spread 
through the nation, and coming to the ears of 
Catharine, then living at the distance of a 
hundred miles, excited in her a desire to at- 
tend the school. She besought her parents 
to send her, and they granted her request. 
Accordingly, on the 9th of July, 1817, when 
about seventeen years of age, she entered the 
missionary school at Brainerd. 



CATHARINE BROWN. 



17 



CHAPTER It 

PROM HER ENTERING THE SCHOOL AT BRAINERD, 
UNTIL HER REMOVAL BY HER PARENTS. 

Her appearance when she entered the school. 
— Her diligence and progress. — Her reli- 
gious knowledge. — Character of her teach- 
ers. — Her conversion and solicitude for her 
people. — Instance of earnest prayer. — Pros- 
pect of her removal. — Her baptism. — Tem- 
porary absence. — Admission to the church. 
— The early success at Brainerd uncom- 
mon. — The chief obstacles to success among 
the Indians. — Visit of the Treasurer of 
the American Board. — His account of the 
school, and description of Catharine. — 
She is removed from Brainerd. — Is visited 
by one of the missionaries. — Letter. 

The features of Catharine were comely ; 
her person was of the middle stature and 
erect ; her manners were naturally easy ; her 
demeanor was modest and prepossessing ; and 
she was, even when she entered the school, 
an interesting girl. 

" It was, however, manifest," says Mr. 
Kingsbury, " that, with all her gentleness and 
apparent modesty, she had a high opinion of 
herself, and was fond of displaying the cloth- 
ing and ornaments in which she was arrayed. 
At our first interview, I was impressed with 
B 2 



IS 



MEMOIR OF 



the idea, that her feelings would not easily 
yield to the discipline of our schools, especi- 
ally to that part of it, which requires manual 
labour of the scholars. This objection I free- 
ly stated to her, and requested that, if she felt 
any difficulty on the subject, she would seek 
admission to some other school. She replied, 
that she had no objection to our regulations. 
I advised her to take the subject into consi- 
deration, and to obtain what information she 
could, relative to the treatment of the scholars, 
and if she then felt a desire to become a mem- 
ber of the school, we would receive her. 

" She joined the school, and the event has 
shown, that it was of the Lord, to the end 
that his name might be glorified. I have of- 
ten reflected, with adoring gratitude arid thank- 
fulness, on the good providence, which con- 
ducted that interesting young female to Brain- 
erd, and which guided* her inquiring and 
anxious mind to the Saviour of sinners."' 

Some time before this, it is not known pre- 
cisely how long, while residing at the house 
of a Cherokee friend, she had learned to con- 
verse in the English language on common 
subjects, and to read words of one syllable. 
These acquisitions, which were of no parti- 
cular service at the time they were made, are 
to be noticed as the probable means of leading 
her to Brainerd. They excited desires which 
she could gratify no where else. 

Her teachers declare that, from her first ad- 



CATHARINE BROWN. 



IS 



mission to the school, she was attentive to her 
learning, industrious in her habits, and re- 
markably correct in her deportment. From 
reading words of one syllable, she was able, 
in sixty days, to read the Bible intelligibly, 
and, in ninety days, could read as well as 
most persons of common education. After 
writing over four sheets of paper, she could 
use the pen with accuracy and neatness,, even 
without a copy. 

From the testimony of different persons it 
appears, that her knowledge on religious sub- 
jects was exceedingly vague and defective 
when she entered the school. Her ideas of 
God extended little farther than the contem- 
plation of him as a great Being, existing 
somewhere in the sky ; and her conceptions 
of a future state were quite undefined. Of 
the Saviour of the world, she had no know- 
ledge. She supposed, that the Cherokees 
were a different race from the whites, and 
therefore had no concern in the white people's 
religion ; and it was some, time before she 
could be convinced, that Jesus Christ died for 
the Cherokees. Subsequently to her conver- 
sion she remarked, that when first conversed 
with in regard to religion, she thought Chris- 
tians had no enjoyment in this world, and that 
if she became religious, she too should be 
rendered unhappy. How much her opinions 
and sentiments on this subject were in a short 
time changed, will appear as we proceed. 



20 



MEMOIR OF 



That the reader may be duly sensible of 
the Christian devotedness of the men, under 
whose instruction this interesting female had 
placed herself, he is informed, that, not long 
after her introduction to them, they adopted 
the following resolution, which developes an 
economical principle carried through all the 
missions to the Indians, under the direction 
of the American Board of Commissioners for 
Foreign Missions : — 

" That, as God in his providence has called 
us to labour in the great and good work of 
building up his kingdom among the Abori- 
gines of this country, a work peculiarly ar- 
duous, and which will be attended with much 
expense ; and above all, considering that we 
have solemnly devoted ourselves, and all that 
we have, to the prosecution of this work ; we 
declare it to be our cordial, deliberate, and 
fixed resolution, that, so far as it respects our 
future labours, or any compensation for them, 
we will have no private interests distinct from 
the great interest of this institution : and, that 
if it meets the views of the Prudential Com- 
mittee, we will receive no other compensation 
for our services, than a comfortable supply of 
food and clothing for ourselves and families, 
and such necessary expenses as our peculiar 
circumstances may require ; observing at all 
times that frugality and economy, which our 
duty to the Christian public and the great 
Head of the church demands." 



CATHARINE BROWN. 2i 



Catharine had been in the school but a few 
months, before divine truth began to exert an 
influence upon her mind. This was mani- 
fested by a tenderness of spirit, and am in- 
creased desire to become acquainted with the 
Christian religion. The same effects were 
also observed, at the same time, in two or 
three other Cherokees. 

She did not seem to be greatly influenced 
by a fear of the punishment threatened against 
sin. Her chief object of solicitude seemed 
rather to be, that she might know and do the 
will of God. She spent much time in reading 
the Scriptures, singing, and prayer, and was 
often observed to be in tears. 

In December, 1817, she indulged a hope 
of pardon and acceptance through the Lord 
Jesus. And it is no small proof of the excel- 
lent practical tendency of her religion, that of 
her own accord, she very soon began to pray 
with her associates, and to assist in teaching 
the Lord's prayer and the catechism to the 
younger girls in the school. 

The Rev. Willaim Chamberlain, now re- 
siding at a missionary station called Wills- 
town, not far from the place of her nativity, 
states that her desires for the salvation of her 
people were now strong and ardent ; and that 
she wept and prayed for them in the company 
of her female friends, at their weekly prayer 
meetings, — as we may suppose she did, also, 
in the places of her secret retirement. 



MEMOIR OF 



The case of her brother David, then on the 
Arkansas river, was specially interesting to 
her. One morning, having withdrawn to the 
neighbouring wood for devotion, she became 
so deeply engaged in prayer for this dear 
brother, that the time passed insensibly, and 
she remained in her secret retreat till the sun 
was near setting. As she had been favoured 
with unusual nearness of access to her hea- 
venly Father, she returned home with an 
humble confidence that he would fully answer 
her prayers. After David had gone to New 
England to complete his education, having 
previously given satisfactory evidence of piety, 
she related these facts to a confidential friend, 
and said she wished to remember them with 
gratitude. 

At the commencement of the year 1818, an 
event occurred, which showed how much 
Catharine was attached to the society and the 
privileges she enjoyed at Brainerd. Her fa- 
ther, designing to remove with his family be- 
yond the Mississippi river, came to take her 
from the school. The prospect of a separation 
was equally painful to Catharine and to the 
missionaries. They regarded her as the first 
fruit of their missionary labours, and loved 
her, as well on that account, as on account of 
her pious and amiable conduct. On her part, 
there was not less affection ; and besides, she 
felt herself too little established in her Christian 
habits to go into the howling wilderness alone. 



CATHARINE BROWN. 23 



" Perhaps," said her teachers and spiritual 
guides, " the Lord is taking her from us, that 
she may be more useful in promoting his 
cause in some other place." We shall see, 
ere long, that they ultimately found occasion 
to rejoice, not only on account of the brief 
separation which now took place, but also of 
the more painful separation which happened 
in the latter part of the same year. 

Catharine desired to receive, before her de- 
parture, in the ordinance of baptism, the seal 
of the covenant of grace. As no reasonable 
doubt could be entertained of her piety,, this 
request was cheerfully granted. On the 25th 
of January, Mr. Kingsbury preached from 
Gal. iii. 28, on the fellowship of those who 
are in Christ, of whatever colour, or nation, 
and then, in the presence of a large assembly, 
administered the ordinance to the deeply af- 
fected convert. 

She was the first Indian baptized by the 
missionaries of the board. This event oc- 
curred about eight months after the opening 
of the school at Brainerd. Since then, about 
one hundred adult Cherokees have received 
the same ordinance, preparatory to admission 
to the visible church. 

The month of February was spent by Catha- 
rine at her father's house : but circumstances 
preventing the immediate removal of her pa- 
rents, she was permitted to revisit Brainerd 



MEMOIR OF 



for the purpose of spending a few months 
more on that hallowed ground. 

She had been closely questioned, while at 
home, by some irreligious white people, with 
respect to her religious faith. They endea- 
voured to perplex her mind, by objections 
against the Scriptures. Her parents, how- 
ever, were pleased that she had learned so 
many good things, and expressed a desire to 
be themselves instructed. 

Her return furnished an opportunity to ad- 
mit her to full communion in the visible church 
of Christ; which was done on the $9th of 
March, about two months after her baptism, 
Six other Cherokees joined with her at that 
time in celebrating the Lord's Supper. " Our 
red brethren and sisters," say the missionaries, 
" declared that their joys, while at the table, 
exceeded every thing they had before con- 
ceived." 

It has not been common for missionary sta- 
tions among Pagans to be favoured so early, 
as Brainerd was, with the converting influences 
of the Spirit of God. Generally, in these lat- 
ter days, the faith and patience of a mission- 
ary, under such circumstances, have been 
considerably tried, before he has seen the fruits 
of his labours ; though, in due season, there 
has seldom failed to be a harvest amply com- 
pensating him for all his toils. But among 
those Indians of North America, who have 
not incorporated the worst vices of civilized 



CATHARINE BROWN. 



25 



life with their own, the preacher of the 
gospel has some peculiar advantages. They 
possess not, as do most heathen nations, a 
complicated system of false religion, trans- 
mitted from their fathers, which must be 
overthrown before the gospel can prevail. 
They are, to a great extent, " without a 
sacrifice, and without an image, and without 
an ephod, and without a teraphim." There 
is scarcely any thing among the Indians them- 
selves to oppose the prevalence of the gos- 
pel, except their unfortified ignorance and 
depravity. The greatest obstacles to mission- 
ary success among them, arise from a foreign 
influence, industriously and powerfully ex- 
erted. 

In May, Jeremiah Evarts, Esq.* at that 
time Treasurer of the Board of Missions, ar- 



* Mr. Evarts was well fitted to feel the utmost in- 
fluence of such a scene as he describes. No man 
could feel a deeper interest than he took in the effort 
to introduce among the Indians the blessings of Chris- 
tianity and civilization ; and it is easy to conceive that 
his first approach to the mission house, under such 
circumstances as he describes, must have been attend- 
ed with peculiar emotions. 

It was to the cause of the Indians, which then en- 
grossed so much of his thoughts and affections, that 
he devoted his latest strength. He died at Charleston, 
S. C. May 10, 1831, leaving previous testimony that 
* the righteous hath hope in his death." 

c 



26 



MEMOIR OF 



rived at Brainerd, on a visit of inspection and 
superintendence. By extracting two or three 
passages from a letter, which he then wrote 
to Dr. Worcester, corresponding secretary of 
the board, the reader will have a view of 
the internal economy of the missionary es- 
tablishment, with which Catharine was con- 
nected. 

" It was on Friday evening, the 8th inst., 
just after sun-set," says Mr. Evarts, " that I 
alighted at the mission house. The path, 
which leads to it from the main road, passes 
through an open wood, which is extremely 
beautiful at this season of the year. The mild 
radiance of the setting sun, the unbroken soli- 
tude of the wilderness, the pleasantness of the 
forest with all its springing and blossoming 
vegetation, the object of my journey, and the 
nature and design of the institution which I 
was about to visit, conspired to render the 
scene solemn and interesting, and to fill the 
mind with tender emotions. 

" Early in the evening, the children of the 
school, being informed that one of their north- 
ern friends, whom they had been expecting, 
had arrived, eagerly assembled in the hall, and 
were drawn up in ranks and particularly in- 
troduced. They are neither shy, nor forward 
in their manners. To a stranger they appear 
not less interesting than other children of the 



CATHARINE BROWN. 



•29 



same age ; but, if he considers their circum- 
stances and prospects, incomparably more so. 

" At evening* prayers, I was forcibly struck 
with the stillness, order, and decorum of the 
children, and with the solemnity of the family 
worship. A portion of Scripture was read, 
with Scott's practical observations ; a hymn 
was sung, in which a large portion of the 
children united ; and Mr. Hoyt led the devo- 
tions of the numerous family. If all the mem- 
bers of the board could hear the prayers, 
which are daily offered in their behalf at this 
station, (and I presume at all others under 
their superintendence ;) and if all patrons and 
contributors could hear the thanks, which are 
returned to God for their liberality ; and espe- 
cially if they could see a large circle of chil- 
dren, lately rescued from heathenism, kneel- 
ing with apparent seriousness, and engaging 
in the solemnities of Christian worship, one 
of them [Catharine] already a hopeful con- 
vert, and others thoughtful and inquiring ; — 
if all these things could be seen, one may 
safely predict, that the exertions and sacrifices 
of the friends of missions would be increased 
four-fold. These things are not the less real, 
however, because they cannot be seen by 
every friend to the cause." 

The Rev. Ard Hoyt, mentioned in the 
above extracts, joined the mission in the 
January preceding, and in June succeeded 
Mr. Kingsbury as superintendent of the 
c 2 



MEMOIR OF 



Cherokee mission, the latter having removed 
to the Choctaw nation. 

A farther extract from the letter of Mr. 
Evarts will not only confirm much that has 
already been said respecting Catharine, but 
will add some other particulars. 

" Her parents are half-breeds, who have 
never learnt to speak English ; yet if you 
were to see her at a boarding school in New- 
England, as she ofdinarily appears here, you 
would not distinguish her from well-educated 
females of the same age, either by her com- 
plexion, features, dress, pronunciation, or 
manners. If your attention were directed to 
her particularly, you would notice a more 
than ordinary modesty and re^ erve. If you 
were to see her in a religious meeting of pious 
females, you would not distinguish her, un- 
less by her more than common simplicity and 
humility. When she joined the school in July 
last, (having come more than one hundred 
miles for that sole purpose,) she could read 
in syllables of three letters, and was se- 
venteen years old. From her superior man- 
ners and comely person she had probably at- 
tracted more attention than any other female 
in the nation. She was vain, and excessively 
fond of dress, wearing a profusion of orna- 
ments in her ears. She can now read well in 
the Bible, is fond of reading other books, and 
has been particularly pleased with the Me- 
moirs of Mrs. Newell. Last fall she became 



CATHARINE BROWN. 31 



serious, is believed to have experienced reli- 
gion in the course of the autumn, and was 
baptized in January. Since that time, she has 
been constantly in the family, and all the fe- 
male members of it have the most intimate 
knowledge of her conduct, and receive a frank 
disclosure of her feelings. It is their unani- 
mous opinion, that she gives uncommon evi- 
dence of piety. At meetings for social prayer 
and religious improvement, held by them on 
every Thursday afternoon and Sabbath even- 
ing, Catharine prays in her turn, much to the 
gratification of her sisters in Christ. Her 
prayers are distinguished by great simplicity 
as to thought and language, and seem to be 
the filial aspirations of the devout child. Be- 
fore Mrs. Chamberlain took charge of the 
girls, Catharine had, of her own accord, com- 
menced evening prayer with them, just as 
they were retiring to rest. Some time after 
this practice had been begun, it was discover- 
ed by one of the missionaries, who, happen- 
ing to pass by the cabin where the girls 
lodge, overheard her pouring forth her desires 
in very affecting and appropriate language. 
On being inquired of respecting it, she sim- 
ply observed, that she had prayed with the 
girls because she thought it was her duty. 
Yet this young woman, whose conduct might 
now reprove many professing Christians, 
who have been instructed in religion from 
their infancy, only ten months ago had never 



32 



MEMOIR OF 



heard of Jesus Christ, nor had a single thought 
whether the soul survived the body or not. 
Since she became religious, her trinkets have 
gradually disappeared, till only a single drop 
remains in each ear. On hearing that pious 
females have, in many instances, devoted their 
ornaments to the missionary cause, she has 
determined to devote hers also. In coming to 
this determination, she acted without influ- 
ence from the advice of others."* 

The time fled rapidly away, in pious em- 
ployments and in Christian intercourse, and 
brought the expected, dreaded separation. It 
shall be described in the words of those, who, 
next to the interesting sufferer, felt it most. 

"Nov. 4, 1818. The parents "of Catharine 
Brown called on us. They are on their way 
to the agency. The old gray-headed man with 
tears in his eyes said he must go over the 
Mississippi. The white people would not 
suffer him to live here. They had stolen his 
cattle, horses, and hogs, until he had very 
little left. He expected to return from the 
agency in about ten days, and should then 
wish Catharine to go home, and perpare to go 
with him to the Arkansas. We requested him 
to leave his daughter with us yet a little 
while, and go to the Arkansas without her ; 
and \ve would soon send her to him with 
much more knowledge than she now has. To 
this he would not consent, but signified a 
* Panoplist, vol. xiv. p. 344. 



CATHARINE BROWN. 



33 



desire that some of us would go along with 
him." 

While her parents were gone to the agency, 
Catharine made a farewell visit to Spring- 
place, the seat of the Moravian mission, about 
thirty-five miles from Brainerd. The feelings 
with which she parted from Mr. and Mrs. 
Gambold, the venerable missionaries there, 
were such as might be expected from her high 
regard for their characters, and her prospect 
of never seeing them again. She returned to 
Brainerd on the 9th ; and, on the 20th, the 
missionaries thus describe her removal. 

" Her father and mother, returning from 
the agency to go to the Arkansas, stopped 
yesterday for the purpose of taking her with 
them. She knew that she needed more in- 
struction to be prepared to go alone into the 
wilderness, and entreated them to leave her 
with us a little longer. She is their only 
daughter,* and they would not consent on any 
terms. The struggle was very severe. She 
wept and prayed, and promised to come to 
them, as soon as she had finished her literary 
education, and acquired some further know- 
ledge of the Christian religion. We engaged 
that she should be provided for while here, 
and assisted in going to them. Her mother 
said, she could not live if Catharine would 
not now go with them. Catharine replied, 

* Catharine had half-sisters, but was the only daughter 
of Mr. Brown by this marriage. 



34 



MEMOIR OF 



that to her it would be more bitter than death 
to leave us, and go where there were no mis- 
sionaries. Her father became impatient, and 
told her if she would not mind him, and go 
with them now, he would disown her for ever ;' 
but if she would now go, as soon as mission- 
aries came to the Arkansas, (and he expected 
they would be there soon,) she might go and 
live with them as long as she pleased : he 
wished her to have more learning. 

44 Never before had this precious convert 
so severe a trial ; and never, perhaps, did her 
graces shine so bright. She sought for nothing 
but to know her duty, and asked for a few 
minutes to be by herself undisturbed. She 
returned, and said she would go. After she 
had collected and put up her clothing, the 
family were assembled, a parting hymn was 
sung, and a prayer offered. With mingled 
emotions of joy and grief, we commended her 
to the grace of God, and they departed. 

44 Precious babe in Christ ! a few months 
ago brought out of the dark wilderness ; here 
illuminated by the Word and Spirit of God ; 
and now to be sent back into the dark and 
chilling shades of the forest, without one fel- 
low traveller, with whom she can say, 4 Our 
Father V O ye, who with delight sit under 
the droppings of the sanctuary, and enjoy the 
communion of saints, remember Catharine in 
your prayers." 

Thus was she removed from a place, en- 



CATHARINE BROWN. 



35 



deared to her by some of the most pleasing 
associations of her life, and she departed ex- 
pecting to return no more. It was a day of 
sorrow to the members of the school, whose 
warm attachment she had effectually secured. 
But the whole had been ordered by Infinite 
Wisdom. 

Early in the following month, information 
was received at Brainerd that two children, 
who had been taken captive by the Cherokees, 
from the Osage tribe of Indians, were in the 
lower part of the nation, and that one of them 
was supposed to be the sister of Lydia Carter, 
the interesting ''Little Osage Captive,"* who 
was then a member of the school. There be- 
ing some reason to believe that the man, in 
whose possession they were, might be in- 
duced to surrender them to the care of the mis- 
sionaries, Mr. Hoyt, accompanied by his son, 
set out in quest of the unfortunate children. 
They travelled between two and three hun- 
dred miles, and encountered many hardships 
on their way. But though they found the 
children, and ascertained that one was indeed 
the sister of Lydia, they failed in their great 
object. The man who professed to be the 
owner of the children, would not relinquish 
them.f 

* The little girl, a narrative of whom was published, in 
1822, by the Rev. Elias Cornelius, Pastor of the Tabernacle 
Church, in Salem, Ms. 

t The girl was never obtained by the missionaries : but 



36 MEMOIR OF 

The journey was not, however, in vain, 
Mr, Hoyt had the happiness of meeting with 
Catharine at her father's house. This occur- 
rence is thus noticed, in the journal of the 
mission. 

" In this tour, father Hoyt spent two nights 
and a day at the house of Catharine Brown's 
father. He was received with great cordiality 
by the whole family ; and Catharine's joy 
was so great, that he says, ' 1 felt myself 
more than paid for the fatigues of the whole 
journey, by the occurrences of the first even- 
ing.' Catharine said, it had been very dark 
times with her, since she left Brainerd. All 
around her were engaged for the riches and 
pleasures of the world ; and because she could 
not unite with them as formerly, they were 
telling her, they supposed she thought herself 
very good now ; that she expected to go to 
heaven alone, &c. Her greatest burden was a 
fear that she should be drawn away from the 
right path, and at length be left to do like 
those around her." 

While Mr. Hoyt was at her father's, he 
preached to a small audience of Cherokees, 
and one Indian woman was so much affected, 
that she wept during the whole service. After 
the departure of Mr. Hoyt, this woman sent 

the boy was afterwards placed under their care, through 
the kindness of Col. Meigs, the United States agent, and 
through the benevolent enterprise of Mr. John Ross, a 
promising Cherokee young man. The boy was named 
John Osage Ross, in honour of Mr. Ross. 



CATHARINE BROWN. 



37 



for Catharine to read and explain the Bible to 
her, and to pray with her, which was repeat- 
edly done. There is reason to believe, that a 
salutary and abiding impression was produced ; 
for after Catharine's return to Brainerd, this 
poor female came all the way, a distance of 
more than a hundred miles, to hear, as she 
said, more about the Saviour. 

This chapter will be closed with a letter 
from Catharine to two of her friends at Brai- 
nerd, which are among the earliest of which 
her biographer has any knowledge. And this oc- 
casion is taken to remark, that the letters which 
will find a place in this memoir, were written 
with little study or effort, from the overflow- 
ings of her heart, to persons with whom she 
was intimately acquainted. The greater part 
of them have never before been published. 
They are generally copied from originals, 
which are in a plain, intelligible, running hand, 
and the orthography is seldom incorrect. Al- 
terations in the sense, are never made ; cor- 
rections in the grammar, but rarely. 

TO MR. AND MRS. CHAMBERLAIN, AT BRAINERD. 

Fort Deposit, Dec. 12, 1818. 
My dearly beloved Brother and Sister, — 

I just sit down to address you with 
my pen. But is this all ? Am I so soon called 
to bid you adieu, and see your faces no more 
in this world 1 O my beloved friends, you 
know not the love I bear to that blessed spot, 
D 



38 



MEMOIR OF 



where I have spent so many happy hours 
with you ; but it is past, never to return. 

Dear friends, I weep ; my heart is full ; 
tears flow from my eyes while I write : and 
why is it so ? Do I murmur ? God forbid. 
Ought I not to praise the Lord for what I 
have received, and trust him for every thing ? 
O yes, his ways are best, and he has gra- 
ciously promised, that " all things shall work 
together for good to them that love him." 
But do I love him ? Have I that love to him, 
which will enable me to keep all his com- 
mandments ? Do I love him with all my 
heart ? O that the Lord would search me, and 
lead me in the way of eternal life. 

I am here amongst a wicked set of people, 
and never hear prayers, nor any godly con- 
versation. 0 my dear friends, pray for me : I 
hope you do. There is not a day passes but I 
think of you and the kindness I received du- 
ring the time I staid with you. It is not my 
wish to go to the Arkansas ; but God only 
knows what is best for me. I shall not at- 
tempt to tell you what I have felt since I left 
you, and the tears I have shed when I called 
to mind the happy moments we passed in 
singing the praises of God. However, I bear 
it as well as I possibly can, trusting in our 
dear Saviour, who will never leave nor for- 
sake them that put their trust in him. 

It is possible that I may see you once more ; 
it would be a great happiness to me if I don't 



CATHARINE BROWN. 39 



go to the Arkansas ; perhaps I may ; but if I 
should go, it is not likely we shall meet in 
this world again : — but you will excuse me, 
for my heart feels what I cannot express with 
my pen. When I see the poor thoughtless 
Cherokees going on in sin, I cannot help 
blessing God, that he has led me in the right 
path to serve him. 

O may we meet at last in the kingdom of 
our blessed Saviour, never more to part. Fare- 
well, my dear brother and sister, farewell. 

From your affect ionate sister in Christ, 
Catharine Brown. 



40 



MEMOIR OF 



CHAPTER III. 

FROM HER RETURN TO BRAINERD, UNTIL SHE 
TOOK CHARGE OF A SCHOOL AT CREEK-PATH. 

Benefits resulting from her being taken from 
the school. — Her return. — Her brother Da- 
vid a member of the school. — His conver- 
sion. — Catharine and David visit their 
sick father. — A school established near Mr. 
Brown's. — Account of John Arch. — Ef- 
forts of Catharine and David at Brainerd. 
— The latter goes to New England. — His 
subsequent history. — A female teacher 
wanted at Creek- Path. — Catharine under- 
takes this service. — Eetters. 

Those who will but observe, may often 
witness very affecting instances of the particu- 
lar and merciful providence which God exer- 
cises towards his children in this world. Both 
the removal arid the return of Catharine may 
be regarded as such instances. 

What was the precise influence upon her 
own character, of her removal from Brainerd, 
cannot be determined; though there is little 
doubt but her faith and patience were thereby 
increased. But the consequences of her re- 
moval, to others, are more obvious. It led the 
way to the formation of schools, and to the 



CATHARINE BROWN. 



41 



stated preaching of the gospel, at Creek-Path, 
the place of her father's residence, and to the 
hopeful conversion of nearly all her family ; 
thus showing that our greatest blessings may 
spring from our severest afflictions. 

Her return was scarcely expected by the 
missionaries, when, on the 23d of May, 1819, 
her father brought her again to Brainerd, and 
committed her to their care until her educa- 
tion should be completed, intending to remove 
immediately with the remainder of his family 
beyond the Mississippi. — This purpose, as 
has been intimated, was not executed. Mr. 
Brown did not proceed to the Arkansas coun- 
try until more than four years after this time, 
and not till the beloved daughter, for whose 
society he was so desirous, had been laid in 
the dust. The causes of this delay are un- 
known to the author of this memoir. 

Catharine ascribed the change in the inten- 
tions of her parents respecting her, wholly to 
the special providence of Him who heareth 
prayer. The appointed time for their depar- 
ture drew near : she was convinced that it 
was not best for her to go : her continual in- 
tercessions were, that her parents might be 
induced to leave her behind. And her prayers 
were answered. After one of her seasons of 
private devotion, she returned to her family 
with a delightfully confident hope that God 
had listened to her requests ; and as she en- 
tered the room where her parents were sitting ; 
d 2 



MEMOIR OF 



she found they had been consulting on the 
expediency of sending her back to Brainerd, 
and had actually resolved upon her return. 
This was just half a year from the period of 
her removal from that consecrated place. 

On this occasion, the missionaries very na- 
turally exclaim ; — " How unsearchable are the 
ways of God ! We thought it a very afflicting 
providence that this lamb should be snatched 
from the fold of Christ, to go, as we thought, 
where she would be exposed to be devoured 
by wolves ; and were ready to say in our 
hearts, when her father required her to go 
with him, 1 not so.' But in this very way, 
God has given her an opportunity to set an 
example of filial obedience, by submitting to 
the authority of a father in a most painful re- 
quisition, and of manifesting her love to the 
Saviour, by her willingness to forsake all for 
him ; and, at the same time, has granted her 
the object of her pious and fervent desire." 

In November, 1819, we find David Brown, 
the brother of Catharine, a member of the 
school, and employed, in connection with 
another young Indian named John Arch, to 
assist the Rev. D. S. Butrick, one of the mis- 
sionaries at Brainerd, in preparing a Chero- 
kee spelling-book, which was afterwards print- 
ed for the use of the schools. We may safely 
conclude that she, who had prayed so earnest- 
ly for this brother when he was absent, would 
not fail to exert herself for his spiritual good 



CATHARINE BROWN. 43 



when present. Her efforts, in conjunction with 
those of the missionaries, were not ineffectual. 
David became thoughtful — deeply impressed — 
convinced of his sinfulness and his need of 
salvation by Jesus Christ — and, early in the 
year 1820, gave evidence that he had become 
truly pious. 

Soon after this, hearing that their father 
was ill, these young converts went home to 
see him, where they remained about seven 
weeks. 

Catharine says, " David seized his Bible as 
soon as he reached home, and began to read 
and interpret to his father and mother and the 
other members of the family, exhorting them 
to attend to it as the word of God, to repent 
of their sins, which he told them were many 
and great, and to become the followers of the 
Lord Jesus Christ.' ' 

With his father's consent, David maintained 
the worship of God in the family, morning 
and evening, and craved a blessing and gave 
thanks at the table. He also conversed freely 
with friends and neighbours, boldly professing 
himself a Christian. 

The impression made by this visit, in con- 
nection with the previous efforts of Catharine, 
was such, that when Mr. Brown, after re- 
covering from his illness, brought his children 
back to Brainerd, he delivered to the mission- 
aries the following letter, signed by himself 
ai\d others, headmen and chiefs. 



44 



MEMOIR OF 



" We, the headmen, chiefs of the Creek- 
Path town, Cherokee nation, have this day 
assembled ourselves together for the purpose 
of devising some plan for the education of our 
children. We daily witness the good effects 
arising from education, and therefore, are ex- 
tremely anxious to have a school in our neigh- 
bourhood, as the distance from this part of 
the nation to Chickamaugah is so great as not 
to suit our convenience. We, therefore, so- 
licit your aid in carrying our plan into execu- 
tion. We can raise twenty, or perhaps twen- 
ty-five children. You will please write us 
immediately on the receipt of this. Given 
under our hands, this 16th of February, 
1820."* 

In consequence of this request, Mr. But- 
rick left Brainerd for Creek-Path, on the 11th 
of March, and, at a place about two miles 
from Mr. Brown's residence, the natives hav- 
ing erected a convenient house for the purpose, 
he opened a school under very favourable 
auspices. 

Mr. Butrick was accompanied and much 
assisted by John Arch, a converted Cherokee 
of good promise, whose name has already 
been mentioned. 

This young man was born and bred among 
the mountains, near the confines of South 

* It may not be amiss to observe, that the above letter 
must have been written for the chiefs by some white per- 
son then at Creek-Path. 



CATHARINE BROWN. 45 



Carolina, in the most ignorant part of the na- 
tion. Happening to be at Knoxville, Tenn. 
in December, 1818, he saw Mr. Hall, who 
informed him of the school at Chickamaugah. 
Returning home, he took his gun and set off 
in search of the place. After travelling a hun- 
dred and fifty miles, he arrived at the station, 
told the missionaries he had come to attend 
the school, and offered them his gun, which 
was his only property, for clothes. His ap- 
pearance was so wild and forbidding, that the 
missionaries hesitated to receive him, especi- 
ally as he was supposed to be not less than 
twenty years of age. But he would not be 
refused. They took him upon trial. It was 
not long before he discovered an anxious so- 
licitude respecting his soul, and soon gave the 
most satisfactory evidence of piety. His thirst 
for knowledge was ardent, and his proficiency 
in learning great. In ten months he could read 
and write well. Some time after he became 
serious, he was falsely accused, by some one 
of his schoolmates, of doing an improper act. 
Being conscious of innocence, his high spirit 
was indignant at the charge. That evening 
and night he was missing, and the next morn- 
ing it was concluded that he had absconded. 
But in the forenoon he made his appearance. 
On being questioned respecting his absence, 
he made this reply ; " I felt angry, and knew 
that it was wicked ; but I could not suppress 
my feelings. I therefore went to seek the 



46 



MEMOIR OF 



Saviour, that he might reconcile my heart." 
It appeared, that he had spent the night in 
devotional exercises. He was at length ad- 
mitted to the church, and, from that day to 
the present, has sustained a good Christian 
character. He has been much employed as 
an interpreter, both at the different stations, 
and in the evangelical labours of the mission- 
aries in various parts of the nation. 

While Mr. Butrick was prosecuting his 
labours at Creek-Path, Catharine and David 
were employing themselves diligently at 
Brainerd. Once in particular it is recorded 
that, after a prayer-meeting conducted by the 
missionaries, these two young Cherokees, 
aided by a pious Indian woman of great age, 
collected a little group of their people who 
had come to spend the Sabbath there, and 
held a religious conference, with prayer and 
praise, in the Cherokee language. 

These united labours were, however, inter- 
rupted on the 11th of May, by the departure 
of David for the foreign mission school in 
Cornwall, Conn. He left Brainerd a few days 
after his admission to the church. 

David had been desirous, for some time, of 
being fitted to preach the gospel to his coun- 
trymen, and was encouraged to aim at such a 
preparation, first by his sister Catharine, and 
then by the missionaries. He arrived at Corn- 
wall sometime in the summer : was connected 
with that highly favoured school about two 



CATHARINE BROWN. 47 



years ; was then removed to Andover, Mass., 
where he remained a year, and, without be- 
coming a member of the theological seminary 
in that place, enjoyed many of its distinguish- 
ed advantages. In consequence of the state of 
his health, and of the great need of his ser- 
vices among those of his countrymen who 
reside in the Arkansas country, he returned 
to them early in the year 1824. The addresses 
which he delivered in many of our principal 
towns and cities, on the wrongs and claims 
and prospects of the American Indians, will 
not soon be forgotten by those who heard 
them. 

Since his return, a letter has been received, 
by the corresponding secretary of the board, 
which, coming from one so nearly related to 
Catharine, and giving an amiable view of her 
family, will interest the reader. It was dated 
" Point Pleasant, Arkansas, Sept. 20, 1824," 
and is as follows: 

Dear Sir, 

Long before this time, you must have heard 
of my speedy passage from Washington city 
to Arkansas, and of my delightful and joyful 
meeting with my brethren and kindred accord- 
ing to the flesh. My father and mother em- 
braced me with tears. We were unable to 
converse, for more than an hour : our mutual 
joy was so great, that we could not speak 
for some time. My friends ran as far as they 



48 



MEMOIR OF 



could see me, in order to meet me, and em- 
brace me. The scene was somewhat similar 
to that of Jacob meeting with his beloved son 
Joseph. 

I was glad to find so much religious feeling 
among my friends. My parents are very use- 
ful in this country, by making known to 
others the way of salvation. Since my arrival 
I have had no rest. My friends and relatives 
are so numerous, that I am constantly on a 
visit. D wight, and the residence of my brother 
Webber, I have made my homes. At Dwight 
I have all my books. On the Sabbath I inter- 
pret English sermons, and sometimes preach 
myself in the sweet language of Tsallakee 
[the Cherokee.] Never were there greater 
prospects of success among the Cherokees, 
than at present. 

I expect to revisit my mother-country soon, 
on my father's business, and once more to be 
at Brainerd and Creek-Path, beneath the tall 
trees of Tsu-saw-ya-wa-sah. In November 
and December please to write me at Brainerd, 
and inform me whether the board can send us 
a printer who- is accomplished in his art. 
Pray send us one. 

My fond remembrance to your family. 
Time and distance can never erase from my 
bosom the marks of friendship and attention 
I received in Boston. David Brown. 

About the time of David's departure for 



CATHARINE BROWN. 49 



New England, Mr. Butrick's school at Creek- 
Path had so increased in the number of its 
scholars, that there was no more room for the 
admission of other applicants. The people 
therefore desired another school. They said if 
a female would come to instruct their daugh- 
ters, they would build a school house for her. 
At the same time it was evident, that a spirit 
of deep seriousness and anxious inquiry was 
beginning to prevail among them. 

These facts being known at Brainerd, the 
missionaries thought it their duty to advise 
Catharine to go and take charge of the con- 
templated school. In this advice she acqui- 
esced, though not without a painful diffidence 
in respect to her qualifications for such a ser- 
vice. 

When it was known at Creek-Path that she 
was to take charge of the school, the most 
enthusiastic joy was occasioned among the 
people. They seemed to feel that the pre- 
parations could not be made too soon. Not 
less than fifty Cherokee men, besides negroes 
and boys, assembled immediately to build the 
school house, which, in two days, was nearly 
completed according to their stipulation. 

Every thing being in readiness, Mr. Brown 
came for his daughter. She was at Taloney, 
the missionary station where her friends Mr. 
and Mrs. Hall resided, and he waited at 
Brainerd for her return ; during which time 
it was perceived, that the venerable old man 
E 



50 



MEMOIR OF 



was anxiously inquiring after the truth. On 
the last of May, 1820, a little less than two 
years and eleven months from her first enter- 
ing the school as an untaught heathen girl, 
Catharine bade an affectionate adieu to Brain- 
erd to take charge of the school for females 
near her paternal home. 

" How very different the scene" — say the 
missionaries — " from that, which passed here 
not quite two years since, when her father 
required her to leave the society of Christians, 
and to accompany him to the then dark shades 
of the Arkansas ! Now, he does not ask her 
without our consent ; will not take her except 
by our advice ; and she is going, not into the 
wilderness unprepared to teach, but into a 
place where divine light has already begun to 
shine, prepared, as we think, to instruct others. 
Yet, it is highly probable that this removal 
will not be productive of so much good as the 
former. So unsearchable are the ways of 
God, and so incompetent is man to judge. It 
now appears that her first removal was the 
means of sowing the seed, which is now 
springing up at Creek-Path with such hopeful 
promise." 

Letters written during the period embraced 
by this chapter, will now be inserted. The 
fourth was originally published at the close of 
the narrative of the " Little Osage Captive." 



CATHARINE BROWN. 51 



TO MR. AND MRS. WILLIAMS. 

Brainerd, July 5, 1819. 

My dear Brother and Sister, — 

Although I have long omitted answering 
your affectionate letters, my heart has been 
often with you. Yes, dear brother and sister, 
I do not forget you, and all the pleasant meet- 
ings we had together, when you were here. 
But pain is mixed with pleasure when I think 
they are gone, no more to return ! When I 
remember the kind instruction I received from 
you, before you left this place, my heart 
swells with gratitude. 1 feel much indebted to 
you, but more particularly to that God, who sent 
you here to instruct the poor ignorant Indians 
in the way that leads to everlasting life. Oh, 
my dear friends, may the Lord ever bless 
you, and make you the instrument of doing 
great good where he has called you. 

You may pass through many trials ; but 
remember, beloved brother and sister, all our 
trials here will only make us richer there 
when we arrive at our home. A few more 
days, and then, I hope, our weary souls will 
be at rest in our Saviour's kingdom, where 
we shall enjoy His blessed presence forever. 

When I wrote you before, I expected to go 
to the Arkansas, and never to see this place 
again. But the Lord has in mercy ordered it 
otherwise. He has permitted me to live with 
the dear missionaries here again, though my 



MEMOIR OF 



parents could not bear to think of leaving me 
behind. My mother said, if I remained here, 
she did not expect to see me again in this 
world. Indeed, she wished she had never 
sent me to this school, and that I had never 
received religious instruction. I told her, if 
she was a Christian, she would not feel so : 
she would be willing to give me, and all she 
had, up to Christ. I told her I did not wish 
to stay on account of my own pleasure, but 
that I wished to get more instruction, so that 
it might be for her good, as well as for mine. 

I felt very sorry for my poor parents. I 
thought it was my duty to go in obedience to 
their commands, and commit myself to the 
will of God. I knew the Lord could change 
the hearts of my parents. 

They are now perfectly willing that I should 
stay here two years longer. I left them in 
March. They expected to set out in that 
month for the Arkansas. They had already 
prepared for the journey. But the Lord has 
so ordered, that they have concluded not to 
go until next fall. I don't know whether they 
will go then. I hope you will pray for them, 
and also for me, that I may be useful to my 
dear people. My heart bleeds for their immor- 
tal souls. 0 that I might be made the means 
of turning many souls from darkness unto 
marvellous light. 

My dear brother and sister, I love you much, 
and feel that the time is short when we shall 



CATHARINE BROWN. 53 



sit down with our Saviour, and experience 
that love which no words can describe. 
From your affectionate sister in Christ, 
Catharine Brown.* 

to mr. moody hall, at t alone v.f 

Brainerd, Oct 25, 1819. 

A few moments of this day shall be spent 
in writing to my dear brother. It seems a 
long time, since you left us. I long to see 
you. I long to hear from you. I hope the 
Lord is with you this day, that you enjoy the 
presence of our dear Redeemer. My sincere 
desire and earnest prayer to the throne of 
grace is, that your labours may be blessed, 
and that God would make you the instrument 
of saving many souls from eternal destruction. 

O how I feel for my poor Cherokee breth- 
ren and sisters, who do not know the blessed 
Jesus, that died for us, and do not enjoy the 
blessings that I do. How thankful I ought to 

* Any person who had witnessed the separation of Mrs. 
Williams from her Cherokee friends, when she and her 
husband left Brainerd, and set. but for the Choctaw mission, 
in May, 1818, could well understand the affectionate ex- 
pression in this letter. When the boat was ready to pro- 
ceed, and the hour of parting had arrived ; when Mr. Cor- 
nelius had made the last prayer, and the last hymn had 
been sung ; Catharine was among those who seemed ready 
to sink under a burden of grief too great to be borne. Mrs. 
Williams had always been peculiarly dear to her from 
their first acquaintance, and, like an older sister, had guided 
her youthful steps in the path of peace. 

t Now called Carmel. 



54 



MEMOIR OF 



be to God, that I have ever been brought to 
the light of the gospel, and was not left to 
wander in darkness. O I hope the time is at 
hand, when all the heathen shall know God, 
whom to know is life everlasting. 

My dear brother, may we be faithful to our 
Master, knowing that in due season, we shall 
reap, if we faint not. Our pilgrimage will 
shortly be ended, and all our trials will be 
over. Do not forget me in your daily prayers, 
for I need very much the prayers of God's 
children. My heart is prone to leave my 
God, whom I love. From your unworthy 
sister in Christ. Catharine Brown. 

TO A LADY IN CONNECTICUT. 

Brainerd, Jan. 12, 1826. 

Dear Sister in Christ, 

I thank you much for your affectionate 
letter, which I received on the 23d of Decem- 
ber. O how great, how rich is the mercy of 
our dear Redeemer, who has made us the 
subjects of his kingdom, and led us, as we 
trust, from death unto life. My dear sister, I 
can never express my gratitude to God, for 
his goodness towards me, and my dear people. 
Surely, it is of his own glorious mercy that 
he is sending to us the gospel of the Lord 
Jesus, in this distant land, where the people 
had long sat in darkness, and were perishing 
for lack of the knowledge of God. Blessed 
be his holy name ! O my sister, let us rejoice 



CATHARINE BROWN. 



55 



continually in our Lord and Saviour, and as 
we have put on Christ, not only by outward 
profession, but by inward and spiritual union, 
let us walk worthy of our high and holy voca- 
tion, and show the world that there is some- 
thing in true religion. And may the Lord 
give us strength to do his will, and to follow 
continually the example of our meek and low- 
ly Jesus. I thank you for the present you sent 
me, which I received as a token of love. 
The mission family are all well, and also the 
dear children. Many of them are serious, 
and we hope they love and pray to God daily. 
O that I were more engaged for God to pro- 
mote his cause, among these dear children, 
and my people. I am going soon to visit my 
parents, which is an hundred miles from here, 
and expect to stay two months. I hope you 
will pray for me, that the Lord would bless 
my visit, and renew the hearts of my dear 
parents. Your sincere friend and sister in 
Christ. Catharine Brown. 

TO MRS. ISABELLA HALL, AT TALONEY. 

Brainerd, March 8, 1820. 

My dear Sister, 

Our Heavenly Father has separated us. 
Perhaps we loved each other more than we 
loved him, and did not pray to him, and praise 
him, and thank him, as we ought to have 
done. And is it not so, dear sister? Did we 
not neglect our duty, and grow cold and care- 



m 



MEMOIR OF 



less, when we were together ? Now we are 
sorry, and the Lord will forgive us. Still, 
dear sister, we can pray for each other. 
Think you not that our prayers often meet at 
the throne of grace ? O then let us pray on, 
and never cease to pray for each other, while 
he lends us breath : and when we meet in 
heaven, we shall see him whom our soul loveth. 

Let us praise the Lord for what he is doing. 
My dear brother David is now rejoicing in his 
blessed Redeemer. He has a great desire to 
do good among our people. I expect he will 
leave us, in two or three weeks, for Cornwall, 
to study divinity, and prepare to preach the 
gospel of Jesus Christ. I do hope and pray 
that the Lord will go with him, and enable 
him to do much good in the world. 

He and myself spent seven weeks with our 
dear parents, and returned to school the last 
week. I hope to continue here some time 
longer, but know not how long. My dear 
mother feels that she cannot spare me much 
longer. I wish to learn as much as I can, be- 
fore I go. 

And now, my dfiar sister, may we both be 
faithful to our Lord, and do much in the world. 
And when time with us shall be no more, 
may we be permitted to meet in that world, 
where Christians will be collected to sing 
through eternity the song of Moses and the 
Lamb. From your sister, 

Catharine Brown. 



CATHARINE BROWN. 



57 



TO HER BROTHER DAVID. 

While on his way to New England. 

Brainerd, May 16, 1820. 

My very dear Brother, 

It is impossible for me to express what I 
felt, the morning you left us. But I thought, 
that if I should never see you again in this 
world, I should meet you in a better, where 
there will be no separation. O how thankful 
we ought to be to God, who has brought us 
from darkness into the light of the gospel. 

Many of our dear people are yet deprived 
of this great privilege. They know not the 
Saviour, whom we have found so precious. 
Yes, even our dear parents are yet living 
without any hope in God. 0 my brother, let 
us never cease to pray for them. God will 
surely hear us, if we ask in faith. 

Dear brother, forget me not in your prayers. 
Your sister Catharine will never forget you. 
When you are far from this place, your poor 
sister C. will be praying for you. Good night, 
dear brother, till we meet again. 

Catharine Brown. 



58 



MEMOIR OF 



CHAPTER IV. 

FROM HER TAKING CHARGE OF A SCHOOL AT 
CREEK-PATH UNTIL HER SICKNESS. 

Extract from her diary. —Her school. — Con- 
version of her parents, and others of the 
family. — She and her family visit Brain- 
erd. — Traits in Catharine's character. — 
Further extracts from her diary. — Eulogi- 
um of her brother John . — She visits Hunts- 
ville. — Estimation in which she was there 
held.— Goes to reside ivith her parents. — 
Apprehensions respecting her health.- — 
Goes to Brainerd for medical aid. — Re- 
turns. — Letters to different friends. 

We now enter upon the last three years of 
Catharine's life, in which we shall behold her 
in new circumstances ; her character more 
fully developed ; her graces shining with greater 
lustre. 

In order that she may speak for herself as 
much as possible, that part of her private diary 
will be inserted, which was saved from the 
destruction to which many of her papers were 
devoted a little before her sickness. It was 
obtained from a sister of Catharine, and a 
faithful copy was transmitted by Mrs. Potter, 
the wife of the Rev. William Potter, mission- 



CATHARINE BROWN. 



59 



ary at Creek-Path. It commences the day 
before her departure from Brainerd. 

EXTRACTS FROM HER DIARY. 

Brainerd, May 30, 1820. To-morrow 
morning I shall leave this school, perhaps 
never to return. It is truly painful to part 
with my dear Christian friends, those with 
whom I have spent many happy hours in the 
house of worship. I must bid them farewell. 
This is the place, where I first became ac- 
quainted with the dear Saviour. He now 
calls me to work in his vineyard, and shall I, 
for the sake of my Christian friends and of 
my own pleasures, refuse to go, while many 
of my poor red brothers and sisters are pe- 
rishing for lack of knowledge ? O no, I will 
not refuse to go. I will go wherever the Sa- 
viour calls me. I know he will be on my right 
hand, to grant me all the blessings that I shall 
need, and he will direct me how to instruct 
the dear children, who shall be committed to 
my care. 

44 31. This morning I set out from Brain- 
erd, with my dear father. Travelled about 
twenty miles. Thought much of my beloved 
Christian friends. Whether I shall ever see 
them again, is uncertain. The Lord only 
knows. 

" June 2. Have been very sick to-day : but, 
blessed be God, am now a little better. Hope 



^3 



MEMOIR OF 



I shall be able to travel to-morrow. The 
Lord is very kind and merciful to all those 
who put their trust in him. Last night I slept 
on the floor without any bed. Felt quite hap- 
py in my situation. Though very sick in 
body, yet I trust my heart was well. 

" 5. Have arrived at my father's, but am 
yet very unwell. Have a bad cold. Am 
sometimes afraid I shall not be able to teach 
school at Creek-Path. We slept two nights 
on the ground with our wet blankets, before 
we reached our home. 

" 20. Blessed be God, who has again re- 
stored me to health. It is two weeks to-day 
since I commenced teaching a girl's school. 
O how much I need wisdom from God. I 
am a child. I can do nothing. But in God 
will I trust, for I know there is none else to 
whom I can look for help. 

" Sept. 5. This day I received a letter from 
brother David. I rejoice much to hear, that 
he has arrived safely at Cornwall. May the 
Lord be with him, and make him useful as 
long as he lives, and at death may he be re- 
ceived at the right hand of God. This is the 
prayer of his affectionate sister Catharine." 

Before proceeding further with the extracts 
from the diary, it seems proper to insert some 
notices not found in that document. 

Catharine opened her school with about 
twenty scholars, and the number soon in- 



CATHARINE BROWN. 61 



creased. Not only the daughters, but the 
mothers also, manifested a strong desire to 
receive instruction. Several of her pupils, in 
consequence of previous tuition, could read in 
the New Testament, when they came under 
her care. These it was her delight to lead 
to a more perfect acquaintance with that sa- 
cred volume. But* most of the children began 
with the rudiments of learning. This school 
she continued three quarters of a year, when 
the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Potter at Creek- 
Path gave her an opportunity to prosecute her 
own studies, with a view to greater usefulness 
among her people. 

The spirit of serious inquiry at Creek-Path, 
to which allusion has already been made, in- 
creased after the arrival of Catharine, especi- 
ally among her own kindred. Doubtless she 
was not backward with the meekness of hu- 
mility and the earnestness of affection to warn 
and exhort. Nor were her efforts without 
effect. Ere long she had the joy of behold- 
ing her father, mother, a brother, and two or 
three sisters, unitedly seeking the pardon of 
their sins, and that peace which the world 
giveth not. After a suitable trial, and due 
instruction, all these her relatives, with others 
of their countrymen, were received into the 
visible church. 

It is gratifying to be able to remark, that no 
one of them has hitherto dishonoured the 
Christian profession, and that all who survive 
F 



62 



MEMOIR OF 



are believed to be the humble followers of the 
Lord Jesus. One has " fallen asleep," and 
of him an affectionate record will be found in 
that part of Catharine's diary which is yet to 
be inserted. 

Some time in the autumn, nearly the whole 
family made a visit to Brainerd. The hearts of 
the missionaries were made glad, by the sight 
of this little band ; and how must the heart of 
Catharine have exulted with joy, while, for 
the first time, she presented her beloved rela- 
tives, one after another, as the friends and fol- 
lowers of her blessed Saviour ! 

Here some remarks may probably be intro- 
duced, on the traits of character, which Catha- 
rine exhibited during a part of the time em- 
braced in her diary. These remarks are taken 
from the letter of Mrs. Potter, which enclosed 
that document. 

44 In the spring of 1821," says Mrs. P. 
44 while making the necessary preparations for 
a settlement at Creek-Path, Mr. Potter and 
myself, for two months, made Mr. Brown's 
house our home. Here we had an opportu- 
nity of noticing Catharine's daily deportment, 
a3 a member of the domestic circle. 

44 For sweetness of temper, meekness, gen- 
tleness, and forbearance, I never saw one who 
surpassed her. To her parents she was un- 
commonly dutiful and affectionate. * Nothing 
which could contribute to their happiness, was 
considered a burden, and her plans were 



CATHARINE EROWJV. 63 



readily yielded to theirs, however great the 
sacrifice to her feelings. The spiritual inter- 
ests of the family lay near her heart, and she 
sometimes spent whole evenings in conversa- 
tion with them on religious subjects. 

46 Nor did she forget the poor slaves. Hav- 
ing, at her own expense, put a spelling-book 
into the hands of each of the younger ones, she 
began with zeal to teach them to read. One 
of these she had the happiness, before her 
death, of seeing aWe to read in the New Tes- 
tament with fluency, committing hymns to 
memory, &c. and another considerably ad- 
vanced in the same path. 

44 She never spoke of any good thing, which 
she had herself performed, except when cir- 
cumstances made it her duty, and then it was 
with great apparent humility. 

44 Before our arrival, she had established a 
weekly prayer-meeting with the female mem- 
bers of the family, which was also improved 
as an opportunity of reading the word of God, 
and conversing upon its important truths. 
Such was her extreme modesty, that she did 
not make this known to me, until more than 
a week after my arrival ; and the usual period 
had passed without a meeting. She at length 
overcame her diffidence, and in a manner ex- 
pressive of the most unfeigned humility, in- 
formed me what their practice had been. These 
meetings were continued while we remained 
in the family, and I believe they were highly 



64 



MEMOIR OF 



useful. A monthly prayer-meeting among the 
sisters of the church was soon after establish- 
ed, in which Catharine took a lively interest ; 
nor did she ever refuse, when requested, to 
take an active part in the devotional exercises. 

" Soon after we removed to our station, 
Catharine became a member of our family, 
and of the school. All her energies were now 
bent toward the improvement of her mind, 
with a view to future usefulness among her 
people. Both in school and in the family her 
deportment was such as greatly to endear her 
to our hearts, and she was most tenderly loved 
by all the children. 

" She was not mtirely free from the inad- 
vertencies of youth ; but always received re- 
proof with great meekness, and it never failed 
to produce the most salutary effect. 

" She was deeply sensible of the many fa- 
vours she had received from Christian friends, 
and often, in the strongest terms, expressed 
her gratitude. 

" She was zealous in the cause of Christ, 
and laboured much to instruct her ignorant 
people in the things that concern their ever- 
lasting peace. The advancement of the Re- 
deemer's kingdom was to her a subject of deep 
interest, and she read accounts of the triumphs 
of the cross in heathen countries, with pecu- 
liar delight. Not many months after we set- 
tled here, a plan was devised to form a female 
charitable society. This plan was proposed to 



CATHARINE BROWN. 



65 



Catharine. She was much pleased with it, 
and spared no pains to explain it to the under- 
standings of her Cherokee friends. And so 
successful were her exertions, that, at the 
meeting for the formation of the society, at 
.which a considerable number were present, 
not one refused to become a member. For the 
prosperity of this society, she manifested the 
most tender concern till her death ; and she 
had determined, if her life should be spared 
to reach the Arkansas country, to use her ex- 
ertions to form a similar society there.'"* 

The extracts from the diary will now be 
resumed, and will be continued without in- 
terruption. 

EXTRACTS FROM HER DIARY. 

" Creek-Path, May 1, 1821. Commenced 
boarding with Mr. and Mrs. Potter. My pa- 
rents live two miles from this place. I think I 
shall visit them almost every week, and they 
will come to see me often. 

" 2. I love to live here much. It is retired, 
and a good place for study. Every thing looks 
pleasant around the school-house. The trees 

* This society first sent its annual collections to the mis- 
sion at D wight, in the Arkansas. But the last year their 
collection was devoted to the spread of* the Gospel among 
the Osages. The Cherokee woman who proposed the reso- 
lution to appropriate the money in this way, observed to 
the society, " The Bible tells us to do good to our enemies, 
and I believe the Osages are the greatest enemies the 
Cherokees have." The sum was about ten dollars. 
F 2 



6C 



MEMOIR OF 



are covered with green leaves, and the birds 
sing very sweetly. How pleasant it is to be 
in the woods, and hear the birds praising the 
Lord. They remind me of the divine com- 
mand, 4 Remember thy Creator.' O may I 
never be so stupid and senseless [as to forget- 
my Creator,] but may I remember to love and 
serve him, the few days I live in this world ; 
for the time will soon come when I must ap- 
pear before him. Help me, Lord, to live to 
thy glory, even unto the end of my life. 

"I think I feel more anxious to learn and 
to understand the Bible perfectly, than I ever 
did before. Although I am so ignorant, the 
Saviour is able to prepare me for usefulness 
among my people. 

44 5. Saturday evening. Again I am brought 
to the close of another week. Ho *v have I 
spent my time the past week ? Have I done 
any thing for God, and any good to my fellow 
creatures ? I fear I have done nothing to glo- 
rify his holy name. Oh, how prone I am to 
sin, and to grieve the spirit of a holy God, 
who is so kind in giving me time to prepare 
for heaven. May I improve these precious 
moments to the glory of my God. 

" 6. Sabbath evening. How thankful I 
ought to be to God, that he has permitted me 
once more to commemorate the love of a Sa- 
viour, who has shed his precious blood for 
the remission of sin. It was indeed a solemn 
season to me, and I hope refreshing to each 



CATHARINE BROWN. 67 

of our souls. While sitting at the table, I 
thought of many sins, which I had committed 
against God through my life, and how much 
I deserved to be cast out from his presence 
forever. But the Son of God, who was pleased 
to come down from the bosom of his Father, 
to die on the cross for sinners like me, will, 
I hope, save me from death, and at last raise 
me to mansions of eternal rest, where I shall 
sit down with my blessed Jesus. 

44 8. This evening I have nothing to com- 
plain of but my unfaithfulness both to God 
and my own soul. Have not improved my 
precious moments as I ought. Have learned 
but little in school, though my privileges are 
greater than those of many others. While 
they are ignorant of God, and have no oppor- 
tunity !o hear or learn about him, I am per- 
mitted to live with the children of God, where 
I am instructed to read the Bible, and to un- 
derstand the character of Jesus. O may I be 
enabled to follow the example of my teachers, 
to live near the Saviour, and to do much good. 
I wish very much to be a missionary among 
my people. If I had an education — but per- 
haps I ought not to think of it. I am not 'wor- 
thy to be a missionary. 

" 14. Mr. Hoyt called on us this week, on 
his return from Mayhew. He gives us much 
interesting intelligence respecting the Choc- 
taw mission. Mr. Hoyt expected to have 
brought Dr. Worcester with him, but he was 



m 



MEMOIR OF 



too sick to travel, and was obliged to stay be- 
hind. He hopes to be able to come on soon. 
I long to see him. He has done a great deal 
towards spreading the gospel, not only in this 
nation, but in other heathen nations of the 
earth. May the Lord restore his health, that 
he may see some fruits among the heathen, 
for whom he has been so long labouring. 

" This day I spent my time very pleasantly 
at home with my dear friends. Find that 
brother John is the same humble believer in 
Jesus, walking in the Christian path. I am 
truly happy to meet my dear parents and sis- 
ters in health, and rejoicing in the hope of 
eternal glory. O may God ever delight to 
bless them, and to pour his spirit richly into 
their hearts. I am much pleased to see them 
making preparations for the Sabbath. They 
have been engaged to-day in preparing such 
food, <fec. as they thought would be wanting 
to-morrow. I think brother Jobn and sister 
Susannah have done much good here with re- 
spect to the Sabbath. 

" 30. This day attended another solemn 
meeting in the house of God. Mr. Potter 
preached by an interpreter. I think more peo- 
ple than usual attended. All seemed atten- 
tive to hear the word of God. Mr. P: spoke 
of the importance of keeping the Sabbath holy. 
I hope it will not be in vain to all those who 
were present. 

" June 4. This day being the first Monday 



CATHARINE BROWN. 69 



in the month, the people met to pray and re- 
ceive religious instruction. It was truly an in- 
teresting time. The congregation, though 
small, was serious. One man and his wife, 
who have been for some time in an anxious 
state of mind, remained after the meeting, and 
Mr. and Mrs. P. earnestly entreated them to 
seek the Lord while he was near unto them. 
They appeared very solemn, and said they 
wished to know more about God, that they 
might serve him the rest of their days. We 
hope and pray, that they may be truly con- 
verted, and become our dear brother and sister 
in the Lord. 

46 July 1. This day I have enjoyed much. 
Was permitted once more to sit down at the 
table of the Lord, and commemorate his dying 
love. O how good is the Saviour in permit- 
ting me to partake of his grace. May I im- 
prove my great privileges in the manner I 
shall wish I had done, when I come to leave 
the world. — P. M. Went to Mr. G's where 
Mr. Potter preaches once in two weeks. Most 
of the people present were whites, from the 
other side of the river. It was pleasant to hear 
a sermon preached without an interpreter. 

" Sept. 2. Think I have had a good time 
to-day, in praying to my heavenly Father. I 
see nothing to trouble me, but my own wicked 
heart. It appears to me, that the more I wish 
to serve God, the more I sin. I seem never 
to have done any thing good in the sight of 



7G 



MEMOIR OF 



God. But the time is short, when I shall be 
delivered from this body of sin, and enter the 
kingdom of heaven. 

" 3. The first Monday in the month. No 
doubt many Christians have been this day 
praying for my poor nation, as well as for 
other heathen nations of the earth. O why do 
I live so little concerned for my own soul, 
and for the souls of others ? Why is it that I 
pray no more to God ? Is it because he is not 
merciful? Oh no. He is good, kind, merciful, 
always ready to answer the prayers of his 
children. O for more love to my Saviour than 
I now have. 

44 4. I am now with my sister, with whom 
I expect to spend a few days. I hope the Lord 
will make our communion sweet. 

4 4 Visited at Mr. — — 's, but had no oppor- 
tunity of conversing with Mrs. on reli- 
gious subjects, as we intended to have done. 

Mr. - said he had seen so many different 

ways among professed Christians, that it was 
hard to tell who was right. I felt too ignorant 
to instruct such a well educated man ; though 
I knew that there is but one way under heaven 
whereby men can be saved, and that is, by 
coming to him, who came to seek and to sj 
that which was lost. 

44 9. Returned yesterday from sister G's, 
Found the mission family in good health, 
cannot express how much I love the mission 
aries with whom I live. I do not feel my pri- 



CATHARINE BROWN. 71 



vilege until I am away from them, and min- 
gle v worldly people. Then I long to get 
back t be with Christians. 

" joice and bless my heavenly Father 
that h has kept my dear brother John, and 
permitted me to meet him once more in the 
land of the living. I am sorry to see him 
so unwell, and fear he will not recover. But 
the \ji I's will be done, and not mine. I know 
that h will do all things for the good of 
those \ lio love him. 

44 Le : home, in company with brother John 
and sis sr Susannah [his wife,] for the pur- 
pose of visiting the sulphur springs in Blount 
county, Alabama. 

44 21. About noon we came to a spring, 
which is said to possess the same qualities 
with thr ee we intended to visit, and we con- 
clude 1 j make it the place of our abode for a 
few days. We therefore pitched our tent 
a fe W ards from the water, and at night 
sr ead c ur blankets on the ground, and slept 
very well. 

44 22. Feel very uneasy respecting my 
brother, he is so unwell. May the Lord be 
with us in this lonely place. 

44 23. Brother John drinks the water, and 
bathes in it, but has yet received no benefit. 
I do not feel so well as I did before I came 
here, and almost wish to return immediately. 
P it is lying on the ground, that makes 

me feel sick. But if brother John had a com- 



1% 



MEMOIR OF 



fortabie place to sleep, I should not care for 
myself. The Lord knows what is best for us, 

" 24. We expect a boy with our horses to- 
day, and hope to reach home to-morrow. Saw 
Mr. J. R. to-day in a very low state of health. 
Conversed with him a little on the subject of 
religion. This I really felt was my duty, as I 
thought it likely I should never have another 
opportunity. He said, he was very wicked, 
and afraid to die. I told him we were all 
wicked, but the Saviour, who was willing to 
die for us, would pardon our sins, if we would 
only give ourselves to him. He replied, that 
when he was in health, he did not do his 
duty towards God, but if he recovered he 
would try to do better. As he was not able 
to converse much, I commended him to God, 
and left him. God is able to make him his 
dear child, and to prepare him for heaven. 

" Jan. 3, 1822. This was truly a solemn 
and interesting day to me, one which will 
never be forgotten. My dear father and mother 
were baptized in the name of the Holy Trini- 
ty. How kind is our Creator, in his willing- 
ness to take notice of us sinful worms of the 
dust, and allowing us to become acquainted 
with Jesus Christ. O may we walk close 
with. God, and be enabled to set such an ex- 
ample to others, that they may be led to glorify 
our Father, who is in heaven. 

" 14. Have not attended school since last 
vacation, having been at home taking care of 



CATHARINE BROWN. 73 



my sick brother. He has failed very fast the 
past week. I fear he will not live many days. 
The will of the Lord be done. 

" 16. My dear brother is very low. Per- 
haps he will soon depart from this sinful 
world, and fly to the arms of his blessed Re- 
deemer. Had some conversation with him in 
the evening. His mind seemed to be in a 
happy state. He asked me whether, after his 
decease, I thought we should stay here, or go 
to the Arkansas. I told him I hoped he would 
be restored to health. He said he thought that 
was very doubtful, and added, that he thought 
brother Webber would come for us after his 
departure. My heart was full. I could make 
no reply. 

"18. Mr. Butrick and John Arch, who 
have been visiting us for a few days past, left 
us this morning, with the intention of going 
through the nation, preaching Jesus Christ to 
those who are in darkness. This will proba- 
bly take three months. May the Lord go 
with his dear servants on their long journey 
through the wilderness, and bless their labours 
to many immortal souls. I cannot sufficiently 
express my gratitude to God, for sending out 
missionaries to this distant land, that we, who 
were wanderers in the wild woods, might find 
the road to heaven. How kindly are they in- 
viting us to come and partake of the rich feast, 
which has been provided for all who will ac- 
cept it. Yet how few are willing to comply 
G 



74 



MEMOIR OF 



with the invitation ! Frequently do I weep 
for my Cherokee brothers and sisters, when 
I consider their awful situation while out of 
Christ ; and willingly would I offer myself for 
their assistance, were I qualified for a religious 
teacher. I hope God will prepare me to do 
some good among the heathen. O that it may 
be my greatest desire to do the will of my 
heavenly Father. I am determined to pray for 
my people, while God lends me breath ; and 
when I die, may my Saviour receive me to 
my heavenly home, to join with millions of 
saints in singing the praises of redeeming love 
through a never-ending eternity. 

" 29. Eternity seems near. A few days 
more, and if I am indeed a child of God, I 
shall walk the golden streets of the New Je- 
rusalem. O happy day, when I shall see all 
the Christians who have ever lived, and when 
God himself shall be my joy. 

4 4 30. Brother John is senseless most of the 
time. I fear he is to remain but a little while 
in this world. But in that case he will soon 
go to his Father in Heaven. May we be sub- 
missive, knowing that he, who sent us into 
this world, has a right to call us hence when- 
ever he sees best. Our great consolation is, 
that our dear brother will soon be freed from 
pain, and rest in the bosom of his dear Jesus. 

44 31. Had the pleasure of seeing Mr. and 
Mrs. Potter at this place. I love them as my 
own brother and sister. 



CATHARINE BROWN. 75 



" Feb. 2. My dear brother very sick. 0 
thou blessed Jesus, take him not away by this 
sickness. Restore him to health, that he may 
live long, and be a great blessing to our nation. 
But O may I be submissive to thy holy will. 

" Sabbath morning. Painful is it to record, 
that my dear brother John appears, this day, 
to be on the borders of eternity ! Lord, come 
near to us at this time. Help us to give up 
our dear brother into thy hands. 

" Evening. Brother John is no more ! O 
distressing thought, he has gone to return no 
more ! But we shall soon go to him. I trust, 
indeed, we have much reason to believe he 
has gone to Christ his Saviour. Through his 
sickness he seemed reconciled to the will of 
God, and said he was not afraid to die. He 
said, that though his sufferings were great, 
they were nothing in comparison with Christ's 
sufferings. About a week before he died, he 
spoke to the family as follows : — 4 It is now 
more than a year since we began to follow 
Christ, and what have we done for him ? Do 
we live like Christians ? I fear we do not. I 
do not hear you talk to the people about our 
Saviour when they come to visit you. We are 
professors of religion, and why is it that we 
do not show it to others ? You should always 
remember to keep the Sabbath holy. You are 
too much occupied in domestic concerns on 
the Sabbath, so that you cannot get time to 
converse about God.' He asked me if the mis- 



76 



MEMOIR OF 



sionaries did their cooking on the Sabbath. I 
told him their preparations were made before 
the Sabbath. He said, 4 that is what we ought 
to do.' He frequently requested me to read and 
explain the Bible to him, which was my great 
delight." 

Here ends her diary. And the reader will 
doubtless wish that all had been saved, breath- 
ing as it does so much unfeigned piety. 

Of her brother John, the journal of the mis- 
sion at Brainerd contains the following eulo- 
gium, penned on hearing of his death. 

" Two years ago he was in heathenish dark- 
ness. About that time his brother and sister 
told him of the Bible, and some of the^ impor- 
tant truths it contained ; and he soon felt an 
unconquerable desire to read it. He could 
then talk and understand familiar English. 
Soon after, a school was opened in his neigh- 
bourhood, and he applied himself, with the 
most unwearied diligence, to study. In the 
course of six months, he learned to read intel- 
ligibly ; read the New Testament through 
once, and about half through again ; wrote a 
number of legible letters to his friends ; be- 
came a hopeful convert to the Christian re- 
ligion, and a member of the church of Christ, 
which he continued to adorn by an exemplary 
life, till his departure from these dark and af- 
flictive scenes, to join, as we trust, the church 
of the first-born in heaven." 



CATHARINE BROWN. 



77 



Not long after the decease of this brother, 
Catharine accompanied her father to Hunts- 
vilie, in the state of Alabama. 

Here, either at that time, or later in the 
season, she spent two or three months in the 
family of Dr. Alexander A. Campbell, a pious 
and esteemed physician. Dr. Campbell had 
seen her at her father's house before she went 
to Brainerd, and was so favourably impressed 
by her personal appearance, that he subse- 
quently procured for her a Bible and some 
other religious books, which were forwarded, 
but never received. 

Nearly five years had elapsed since that in- 
terview. Dr. Campbell's own words, ex- 
tracted from a letter to the Rev. Mr. Potter 
of Creek-Path, will best describe the impres- 
sions which she now made upon him, and 
upon others in Huntsville. 

" She was not now the wild, untutored girl," 
he says, " she was then. She was graceful 
and polite, and humility and benevolence 
beamed from her countenance. Some of my 
acquaintance were unwilling to believe she 
was an Indian. 

" At your request, I returned with her to 
her nation to see a diseased Indian child, and 
though it was at the expense of neglecting im- 
portant professional business, I was amply re- 
paid, by the interesting conversation I had 
with her. 

" At first, indeed, she was backward to en- 
g 2 



78 



MEMOIR OF 



ter into free conversation. A diffident reserve 
was a prominent trait in her character. But 
when we became well acquainted, I found her 
perfectly agreeable and intelligent on any or- 
dinary subject. But her favourite theme was 
the Saviour. She dwelt much, also, on the 
situation of her people, and manifested the 
greatest solicitude for their spiritual interests, 
often expressing the hope, that I would come 
and live among them and teach them respect- 
ing the Lord Jesus. 

" During the summer of this year, she spent 
several months in my family. A part of that 
time she was suffering very severely from a 
bilious fever, which she bore with all possible 
patience and resignation, never showing that 
peevishness and fretfulness so common in per- 
sons recovering from that disease. She al- 
ways looked upon her afflictions as resulting 
from the chastising hand of God, and designed 
for her improvement. 

" She received very marked attentions from 
the visitors at my house, and many of the 
principal families in the town sought an ac- 
quaintance with her, appeared sensible of her 
worth, and esteemed her friendship highly. 
These attentions, so far from exciting her 
vanity, had the effect to humble her the more. 
She appeared ever to think much less highly 
of herself than others thought of her. I have 
often been astonished to see how the flattering 
addresses and high encomiums of people of 



CATHARINE BROWN. 



79 



• elevated standing in society, seemed to render 
her more distrustful of her own worth." 

This, though evidently the warm language 
of friendship, is justified by the concurrent 
testimony of all the intimate friends of Catha- 
rine. 

In September, 1822, at the earnest request 
of her parents, she left the family of Mr. Pot- 
ter to reside with them. Being engaged, at 
that time, in some favourite studies, it was a 
great trial to leave the school. But so tender 
was her regard for her aged parents, that she 
made not the least objection. 

Near the close of the year 1822, the Rev. 
Reynolds Bascom, accompanied by several 
Indian youths from the Foreign Mission 
School at Cornwall, arrived at Creek-Path, on 
his way to Elliot, where he designed to spend 
a few months in missionary labour. 

" Here," says Mr. Bascom, " I had an op- 
portunity of seeing the precious fruits of mis- 
sionary instruction and divine grace, in the 
intelligence, amiable manners, and Christian 
temper, of Catharine, and other members of 
the little church, which had been formed in 
the place, chiefly among her family connexions. 

" The impression made on my mind by my 
first interview, which was at her father's 
house, was that of uncommon simplicity, mo- 
desty, and meekness. We arrived after the 
family had dined, and she received us, and 
spread a table for our refreshment with the 



80 



MEMOIR OF 



unaffected kindness of a sister. The graceful- 
ness of her figure, and the sweetness of her 
expression, have often been the subject of re- 
mark ; and I was the more delighted with her 
humility, as I greatly feared I should discover 
an unhappy influence from the misjudged 
praise, which had been heaped upon her. 
The fact was, she gave me evidence, by her 
habitual behaviour, of being a sanctified child 
of God." 

It was soon after her removal to her pater- 
nal home, that the disease, the seeds of which 
had, probably for several years, been germi- 
nating in her constitution, began to assume an 
aspect which excited some alarm. 

In consequence of this, she took a journey 
to Brainerd, in February, 1823, with a view 
to consulting Dr. Butler, a medical gentleman 
residing at that station. She hoped, also, to 
derive benefit from the journey. These hopes 
were disappointed. A cold, tempestuous storm 
arose soon after she left home, to the whole 
of which she was unavoidably exposed ; and 
the slight cough, to which she had for some 
lime been subject, was very much increased. 
She spent three weeks at Brainerd, and then 
returned to Creek-Path, intending to obtain 
permission from her parents to place herself 
again under the care of Dr. Butler. But her 
increased illness rendered her unable to en- 
counter the fatigues of another journey. 



CATHARINE BROWN. 81 



TO HER BROTHER DAVID, AT CORNWALL. 

Creek-Path, Aug. 12, 1820. 

dy dear Brother, 

Your dear lines I received this evening, 
for which I thank you. I hope they will not 
be the last you will write me. O dear brother, 
how much it would rejoice my heart to see 
you this evening, and converse with you face 
to face ! But our good Lord has separated us, 
perhaps never to see each other again in this 
world. I often think of the morning you left 
Brainerd. It w T as a solemn hour, and I trust it 
was a sweet season to our souls. We wept, 
and prayed, and sung together, before our 
dear Saviour ; and longed for that blessed day, 
when we should meet, to part no more. What 
is a short separation in this world ? Nothing 
compared to an eternal separation ! How 
thankful we ought to be then, my dear brother, 
that we have a hope to be saved through the 
blessed Lamb of God. Yes, I trust when our 
bodies shall die, our souls shall be raised 
above the sky, where we shall dwell together, 
in singing the praises of him who bought us 
with his precious blood. I hope we shall meet 
our parents, and brothers, and sisters there. 
Since you left, the Lord has reached down 
his arm, to take sinners from darkness into 
the marvellous light of the gospel. Dear 
brother, let us praise and rejoice continually 
in the Lord, for his goodness to our dear peo- 



82 



MEMOIR OF 



pie, in giving them hearts to love and praise 
his holy name. Surely the Lord is with us 
here. We feel his presence. Our dear father 
and mother are inquiring what they shall do 
to be saved. Mother says she is grieved to 
think her children are going to leave her be- 
hind. But she says she will pray as long as 
she lives, and that the Saviour will pardon 
her sins, that she may go with her children 
to heaven. 

I hope you will write to our parents as often 
as you can. I sometimes think the Saviour 
has given them new hearts, especially our 
dear father. He appears quite changed. 

Soon after you left Brainerd, I was called 
here to take charge of a school of females, 
about two miles from home. I take great de- 
light in teaching. The number of girls in 
school is twenty-eight. They are very good 
children, and learn fast. Sister Anna is assist- 
ing me in the school. She rejoices with us to 
hear from you in this distant land. 

0 dear brother, I hope you will pray for 
me. Pray that I may do good to the immortal 
souls of my pupils. Sometimes the work 
appears too great for me, and I am almost 
discouraged. But I know he that has 
called me to work in his vineyard, is able 
to keep me. 

1 could tell you a great many good things, 
if I had time. But I must stop, after asking 
your prayers for all your Creek-Path friends. 



CATHARINE BROWN. 



83 



I hope when you return to your nation, you 
will find many Christians. Farewell, dear 
brother, may the Lord be with you, and pre- 
pare you for great usefulness in the world. 
This is the prayer of your sister, 

Catharine Brown. 

to mr. and mrs. hall. 

Creek-Path, Nov. 19, 1820. 

My dear Brother and Sister, 

This is the first opportunity I have had 
to answer the kind letter which you wrote 
some time since. I thank you for it, and hope 
you will forgive me for not writing sooner. I 
think of you every day, and long to see you 
once more in this world. I often think of the 
happy hours we used to spend together, while 
I was with you at Brainerd. But the happy 
hours are gone, I fear never to return. I hope, 
if we may not meet in this world, we may in 
heaven, where we shall never be separated. O, 
my dear friends, do you not sometimes long 
to see that glorious day, when Christians 
shall be gathered from all parts of the world to 
sing the praises of our dear Redeemer ? What 
a day it will be for Christians ! And shall we 
be among the number ? Sometimes I fear I 
shall not be, my wicked heart is so prone to 
sin. But I know the blood of Christ is suffi- 
cient to wash away all my sins, and prepare 
me for his eternal glory. I will, therefore, 
commit myself to God. It is all that I can do. 



84 



MEMOIR OF 



O, how good it is to lie at the feet of Jesus, 
and feel ourselves purified by his blood. Then 
we have no reason to fear what the world can 
do unto us. 

My dear friends, I cannot tell you how 
much I love you because you are willing to 
leave your native land, and your dear people, 
to come into this heathen part of the world, to 
instruct me and my people in the way of salva- 
tion. May the Lord reward you for this labour 
of love. Probably you must have some trials 
to pass through, as other missionaries do ; but 
we ought to rejoice that we are accounted 
worthy to labour for God. Our days will soon 
be past, and if we are the children of God, 
we shall soon be at rest in the bosom of our 
dear Saviour. 

My father, mother, brothers, and sisters, 
wish to be remembered affectionately to you. 
Write often. I am always happy to hear from 
you. From your sister, 

Catharine Brown. 

to her brother david, at cornwall. 

Creek-Path, Feb. 21, 1821. 

My dear Brother, 

I received your kind letter some time 
since, and it gave me great satisfaction to hear 
from you. I should have written to you before 
this time, but did not know how to send to 
Brainerd. I am truly happy to hear that you 
feel so well contented with your situation in 



CATHARINE BROWN. 85 



school, "and that you are well pleased with 
your instructor. Our dear parents are in good 
health. They have removed from the place 
where they lived before, and are now living 
with brother John. I think they have truly 
passed from death unto life. They seem to be 
growing in grace' and in the knowledge of him 
who has redeemed their souls from hell. In- 
deed you cannot imagine how different they 
seem from what they did when you left us. 
All they desire now, is to do the will of our 
dear Saviour. This work is the Lord's, and 
no doubt he will keep them and carry them 
safe through this sinful world, until he re- 
ceives them to his heavenly kingdom. O, dear 
brother, truly the Lord has heard our prayers 
for the souls of our parents. We have great 
reason to rejoice. May we not say, — not unto 
us, but to thy name be all the praise ? You 
have doubtless heard that brother John has 
joined the church. Dear brother David, my 
heart is full while I am writing. How shall I 
express my gratitude to God for bringing him 
to a knowledge of the Saviour ? He says 
sometimes he feels happy in praying to God, 
and feels willing that he should do with him 
as seemeth good in his sight. 

My brother David, when we look back and 
see what the Lord has done for our family in 
the course of a few years, 0 let us call upon 
our souls and all that is within us to praise 
our God for his great blessings to us. 
H 



86 



MEMOIR OF 



I sometimes long to see your face once 
more in this world, to converse and pray with 
you before our Saviour. I often think of the 
happy hours which we spent when we were 
at Brainerd, when we first tasted the sweet- 
ness of religion, and when we used to take 
each other's hand to walk and sing our fa- 
vourite hymn, 

" Come vve that love the Lord." 

We then knew the happiness of saints, and 
felt that religion was not ■ designed to make 
our pleasures less.' But now our heavenly 
Father has separated us for a time in this 
world ; I hope for his glory, and for the good 
of perishing souls around us. We have much 
to do for our Saviour. As we hope we are 
children of the most high God, let us be good 
soldiers, and not be weary in well-doing, for 
in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 

Father and mother send love to you, and to 
the scholars in Cornwall. I hope you will 
write to us soon, and let us know how you 
do. Adieu, dear brother, till we meet again. 

Catharine Brown. 

to the same. 

Creek-Paih, 1821. 

My dear Brother, 

Although we may be separated many 
hundreds of miles, the God of the Universe, 
whom we serve, will often give us the enjoy- 



CATHARINE BROWN. 



87 



ment of himself, which you know is of far 
greater value than all this world can afford. I 
hope the time is not far distant when all the 
heathen shall be brought to the knowledge of 
the Redeemer. We have recently formed a 
female society* in this place. The members 
pay fifty cents a year. I trust you will pray 
that we may be blessed, and that we may 
be instrumental in the great work of building 
up the cause of the Redeemer. I can never be 
sufficiently thankful to God for sending us 
missionaries, to teach us the way we should 
go. We love them as our own brothers and 
sisters. That you may enjoy the light of our 
Saviour's countenance, while in this short 
journey of life, and finally be received to the 
mansions of eternal glory, is the prayer of 
your sister, Catharine Brown. 

TO MR. AND MRS. HALL. 

Creek-Path, June 1, 1822. 

My dear Brother and Sister, 

Sweet and reviving is the thought, that we 
are not to continue long in this world, but hope 
soon to rest in the city of our God. My dear 
brother and sister, be patient in all your trials 
and hardships, remembering that you are 
labouring for God, and not for man alone. 
The Saviour will give you an unfading crown 
of glory in due season. I often think of the 
glorious day, when I shall meet you, and all 

* The society of which mention was made at p. 65. 



88 



MEMOIR OF 



good missionaries, in the kingdom of our 
Saviour. I shall then be always with those 
dear friends, who have told me so much about 
heaven, and taught me to love and serve 
Christ. I hope you will not forget to pray, 
that I may possess more of the spirit of Christ. 

The pupils in the school here generally 
make good improvement. The religious pros- 
pects are encouraging. Meetings on the Sab- 
bath, and weekly conferences, are well at- 
tended. The Church appears well. Last 
Sabbath I, for the first time, met my parents 
at the table of the Lord. 

I have many things to tell you ; but my 
health will not allow me to write much at one 
time. The little I have written gives me pain. 
My health has been feeble for some weeks 
past, but my complaints are not alarming. I 
shall try to visit you next vacation, if life is 
spared. Will my dear brother and sister write 
soon to their affectionate Catharine. 

TO HER BROTHER DAVID. 

Huntsmlle, Aug. 30, 1822. 

My dear Brother, 

Remember that your sister Catharine loves 
vou much, and prays for you every day. I 
trust you will not return before you are pre- 
pared to preach the gospel. Let me know 
your feelings in this respect when you write 
again, and I shall know how to pray for you. 
I do not expect you to go through all the 



CATHARINE BROWN. 89 



studies, that ministers generally do in New- 
England, but wish you to be qualified to with- 
stand the enemies of God, and teach the truths 
of Christianity. If your health does not permit 
you to study, and your hesitation of speech 
still continues, I should not think it was your 
duty to pursue your studies. 

Catharine, 
to the same at andover. 

Creek-Path, Jan. 18, 1823. 

My dear Brother, 

Yours of Nov. 2, 1822, was received a few 
days since. I am much gratified to hear, that 
you are to continue in New England another 
year. I hope you will be the better qualified 
for usefulness to our countrymen, when you 
return. I pray for you daily, that God may be 
with you and bless you in your undertaking. 

It is now eleven months, since our dear 
brother John departed from this lower world, 
and entered the unseen regions of eternity, 
where I hope he is now walking in the streets 
of the new Jerusalem, rilled with holy love. 
Oh boundless love, and matchless grace, of 
our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ ! How 
happy shall we feel when we land on the 
shores of eternal felicity. There we shall 
meet our dear brother, and all who have gone 
before us, and shall reign in the paradise of 
God for ever and ever. 

I often think of our relations in the Arkan* 
h2 



90 



MEMOIR OF 



sas. I long to hear of their conversion. Let 
us not neglect to pray for them daily ; par- 
ticularly for brother W. The Lord, I hope, 
will renew his heart, and make him abundant- 
ly useful to the cause of missions. 

We rejoice to see brother A. once more in 
our dwellings. After a long journey from the 
Arkansas country, he arrived here, much 
fatigued, in the latter part of November. He 
intends to spend a few months with us, and 
then return with sister Susan. I do not feel 
very well about her going into the wilderness 
and far from Christian society, where she will 
perhaps have no religious instruction. 

Her mother has removed thirty or forty 
miles from the missionary station [at Dwight.] 
But we commend her into the hands of the 
Almighty, who is able to keep her from evil, 
and from all the temptations of this delusive 
world. I am glad to hear from our relations 
in that country. Brother Walter was expect- 
ing to set out in a few days for the city of 
Washington, and had thoughts of visiting 
some of the northern states before he returned. 
It is likely you may see him in New England. 
He has placed brother Edmund in the mis- 
sionary school at Dwight, to continue three or 
four years. He has become very steady and 
attentive to his books. I hope the Lord will 
give him a new heart, and prepare him for 
usefulness. 

Brother W. has given up trading, and has 



CATHARINE BROWN. !)l 



commenced farming. He has purchased land 
in the Osage country, at the Salt Springs. 
Whether he intends removing his family to 
that place, I know not. It is my prayer, that 
he may be brought to bow to the sceptre of 
King Jesus, in whom is life everlasting. As 
for our going to the Arkansas it is not decided. 
Perhaps we shall know better when you re- 
turn. You know mother is always very 
anxious to remove to that country ; but father 
is not. For my own part, I feel willing to do 
whatever is duty, and the will of our parents. 
I feel willing to go, or stay. The Lord will 
direct all things right, and in him may we 
put all our trust. 

We had the pleasure of seeing your school- 
mates McKee and Israel Folsom. They called 
on us on their way to the Choctaw nation. 
They said there were many good people at 
the north. They had rather live among the 
Yankees, than any other people. I hope they 
will be very useful to their nation. 

Mr. Potter has gone to Brainerd on some 
business, and 1 shall stay with Mrs. P. until 
he returns. We expect him home this week. 
I hope he will bring a large packet of letters 
from our Brainerd friends. Mrs. P. is engaged 
in teaching school while her husband is absent. 
Several of the scholars are very attentive, and 
make good progress in their studies. Sarah 
is in the first class. She is a good girl to 
learn, and is much beloved by her teacher. 



n 



MEMOIR OF 



She has begun to read the Bible in course, 
and has read partly through the Memoirs of 
Miss Caroline Smelt. When I wrote to you 
last, I was in a declining state of health, and 
for that reason I left my studies to have more 
exercise. The Lord has been pleased to re- 
store me to my usual health, and I now feel 
pretty well. , 

I spent two months in Hunts ville, last 
spring, in the family of Dr. Campbell. I be- 
came acquainted with several pious families 
in Huntsville, who, I believe, feel interested 
in the cause of missions. The pious ladies 
made up clothing for the children in Creek- 
Path. We hope this is only the beginning of 
a missionary spirit in that place. 

I am glad to tell you, that our female society 
is growing in its numbers. We have collected 
nearly double the sum this year that we did 
last. The society has concluded to send our 
money for this year to the Arkansas mission. 

I am glad the people are so willing to assist 
in advancing the Redeemer's kingdom in our 
heathen land. May the glorious period soon 
arrive, when all the nations of the earth shall 
be brought to the knowledge of the truth as it 
is in Jesus. Oh, dear brother, though we are 
widely separated in person, yet we are near 
in spirit, and can unite our prayers for the ap- 
proach of this happy day. 

0 let us do with our might what our hands 
find to do. i am now in my little study* I 



CATHARINE BROWN. 93 



have spent in this room many happy hours in 
prayer to my Heavenly Father. But Oh, how 
cold and stupid my heart is ! How little I 
feel for the salvation of souls ! 

O for a closer walk with God, 
A calm and heavenly frame ; 
And light to shine upon the road, 
That leads me to the Lamb. 

Please to write soon, and tell me every 
thing respecting your present situation. 

Catharine Brown. 



94 



MEMOIR OF 



CHAPTER V. 

HER SICKNESS AND DEATH. 

Brief agitations of her mind. — Her love for 
her people. — Is visited by Dr. Campbell. — 
Letter to Mrs. Campbell. — Alarming symp- 
toms in her disease. — Her resignation and 
consolations. — Dr. Campbell advises her 
removal to Limestone. — State of her mind 
at this time. — Strong manifestations of 
affection for her at Creek-Path. — Account 
of her removal. — Temporary improvement 
in her health. — Dictates a letter to her 
brother David. — Hopes of her recovery re- 
linquished. — TJiis fact stated to her father 
and herself. — Her last hours, death, and 
burial. — Monument. 

After Catharine returned from Brainerd, 
she seems generally to have considered her 
removal from the world as not very distant, 
and, to have spent much time in reflecting on 
death and its consequences. These subjects 
she not unfrequently made the topics of con- 
versation. An instance of this kind is describ- 
ed by Mrs. Potter. 

" Entering her room one evening, at an 
early hour, I found she had retired with un- 
usual debility. She requested me to read from 



CATHARINE BROWN. 95 



some medical author, the symptoms of con- 
sumption. I complied ; and, after comparing 
them with her own, she expressed a belief, 
that she had that disease. I inquired what 
were her feelings in view of this conclusion. 
She replied with tears, * I am not prepared to 
die.' You have a hope, I said, of happiness 
beyond the grave ? ' Yes, I have a hope rest- 
ing on the promises of the Saviour; but I 
have been unfaithful V 

" We were both too much affected to say 
more, and remained for some time silent. At 
length Catharine sweetly raised her voice, and 
said, 4 Sister Potter, how beautiful is this 
hymn ;' and then she repeated — 

' Why should we start and fear to die ! 

What timorous worms we mortals are ! 
Death is the gate of endless joy, 

And yet we dread to enter there. 

4 The pains, and groans, and dying strife, 
Fright our approaching souls away. 

Still we shrink back again to life, 
Fond of our prison and our clay. 

1 Oh, if my Lord would come and meet, 
My soul should stretch her wings in haste ; 

Fly fearless through death's iron gate, 
Nor feel the terrors as she passed. 

' Jesus can make a dying bed, 

Feel soft as downy pillows are, 
While on his breast I lean my head, 

And breathe my life out sweetly there.' 

44 I inquired if she could adopt this as the 
language of her heart, and she answered with 
great meekness, that she hoped she could." 



96 



MEMOIR OF 



It does not appear that, after this, her mind 
was again seriously disturbed by apprehen- 
sions respecting her own future well-being. 

But when she saw her aged parents in an 
infirm state of health, and needing all the at- 
tentions of an affectionate daughter, and when 
she reflected how many of her dear people 
remained ignorant of the only Saviour of sin- 
ners, she clung to life, and her earnest prayer 
was that she might recover. We are informed 
that her trials from these sources were at one 
time very severe. 

She said to a beloved friend, " I know that 
it is my duty to submit entirely to the will of 
God. He can carry on his work without me. 
He can take care of my parents. Yet I am 
anxious to recover. I wish to labour more for 
my people." 

How strong her desires were for the im- 
provement of her people, is further evident 
from this fact, that though David was the only 
surviving brother who had the same mother 
with herself, and though he was dearer to her 
than any one else, except her parents, she was 
for some time unwilling he should be inform- 
ed of her sickness, lest he should be induced 
to leave his studies, and come home to see 
her. Much as she loved him, she said she 
had rather he would remain in New England, 
until he was prepared to preach the gospel to 
his countrymen. 

In April she was visited by that kind friend 



CATHARINE BROWN. 97 



of herself and family, Dr. Campbell. He 
strongly advised, that she should remove to 
his house, thinking it probable that he might 
then relieve her. Her friends all consented, 
only desiring her to remain at home a few 
days, till the departure of her brother Webber, 
who had come from the Arkansas. But his 
stay was unexpectedly prolonged a month. 
During this time Catharine failed so rapidly, 
that she was unable to ride to Limestone, 
where Dr. Campbell then resided. 

On this occasion, Catharine thus wrote to 
Mrs. Campbell. 

Creek-Path, April 17, 1823. 

My dear Mrs. Campbell, 

My heart was made truly glad this morning, 
by the arrival of Dr. Campbell. I have long 
been very anxious to see him, on account of 
the low state of my health. For two months 
past, it has been declining, and I am now re- 
duced to extreme debility. This affliction I 
view as coming from my heavenly Father. I 
deserve correction, and hope to bear the chas- 
tising rod with humble submission. 

I have a wish to recover, that I may be 
useful to my poor countrymen, but know that 
all human means will be ineffectual without 
the blessing of God. I pray that Dr. Campbell 
may be the instrument in his hands of restoring 
me to health. If the weather were pleasant, I 
should be disposed to return with him, 
I 



98 



MEMOIR OF 



I thank you for your present, and wish I 
had something valuable to send in return. Dr. 
Campbell will hand you a little riband. When 
you wear it remember Catharine. 

Mrs. P. sends love, and hopes to receive a 
visit from you ere long. Much love to your 
family. 

Farewell, my friend, my sister. May hea- 
ven grant you its choicest blessings, and re- 
ward you an hundred fold for all your kind- 
ness to me. Again I say, farewell. May we 
meet in heaven. Yours affectionately, 

Catharine Brown. 

As she approached nearer to eternity, her 
faith evidently grew stronger, and she became 
more and more able cheerfully to resign not 
only herself, but her parents, her friends, her 
people, her all, to the disposal of her Lord. 

May 15th, she was reduced very low by a 
hemorrhage from the lungs, and for a few days 
was viewed as upon the borders of the grave. 

Before this alarming symptom, it had been 
proposed to send again for Dr. Campbell. But 
her parents were persuaded first to try the 
skill of some Indian practitioners. Their pre- 
scriptions were followed until the hemorrhage 
occurred. Then her alarmed parents sent im- 
mediately for Mr. Potter, hoping he could do 
something to relieve their darling child. Provi- 
dentially the Rev. Reynolds Bascom, of whom 
mention has been already made, had just ar- 



■CATHARINE BROWN. 99 



rived from the Choctaw nation, on his way to 
the northern states ; and having been afflicted 
in a similar manner himself, he was able to 
administer effectual remedies. 

It is gratifying to be able to insert here the 
notices, which Mr. Bascom made at the time, 
respecting his interview with her in this hour 
of trial. 

" May 15. Soon after our arrival at Mr. 
Potter's, a message came that Catharine 
Brown had been taken with bleeding at the 
lungs, and Mr. Potter was requested to visit 
her. We acordingly rode over to her father's 
house, and found her entirely prostrated by a 
copious hemorrhage. After bleeding her in 
the arm, she experienced a sensible relief. 

" 16. Visited Catharine, with Mr. Potter, 
and found it necessary to bleed her again. 
Conversed and prayed with her, and left her 
in a peaceful frame of mind. 

" 19. Left Creek-Path for Brainerd. Mr. 
Potter rode with us to Mr. Brown's. Catha- 
rine appeared sweetly composed. Her coun- 
tenance was cheerful, and her soul filled with 
tenderness and filial trust in God. After con- 
versation and prayer, I asked her what she 
would have me say to her brother David. 

" She replied, 4 Tell him not to be uneasy 
about me. If I do not meet him in this world, 
I hope to meet him in heaven. I have a great 
desire to see him, but the Lord may not per- 
mit us to meet here.' 



100 



MEMOIR OF 



" These words were spoken in a low, but 
audible whisper, and w T ith the significant env 
phasis of a heart filled with faith and love. 

" I have rarely, if ever, seen a more lovely 
object for the penciL, than she appeared to me 
on her dying bed. The natural mildness of 
her features seemed lighted with a beam of 
heavenly hope, and her whole aspect was that 
of a mature Christian, waiting with filial pa- 
tience the welcome summons to the presence 
of her Lord." 

Mrs. Potter says of her,- — " Death was now 
disarmed of his terrors. She could look into 
the grave without alarm. She confessed her 
sins with great meekness, and mourned that 
she had not been more faithful in the service 
of God ; yet rejoiced to resign her soul into 
the hands of her Redeemer. Once, when I 
visited her, she affectionately took my hand 
and said, — 6 My dear sister, I have been wish- 
ing to see you, for several days. I have 
thought a great deal of you and Mr. P. I love 
you much, but am going to leave you. I think 
I shall not live long. You have done much for 
me. I thank you, and hope the Lord will re- 
ward you. I am willing to die, if it be the 
will of God. I know that I have experienced 
his love. I have no desire to live in this 
world, but to do good. But God can carry on 
his work without me. I hope you will continue 
the meetings of females. You must not be 
discouraged. I thought when I should get to 



CATHARINE BROWN. 101 

the Arkansas, I would form a society among 
the females, like ours. But I shall never live 
to get there. I feel for my dear parents, but 
the Lord will take care of them.' 

" At another interview she said, — ' 1 feel 
perfectly resigned to the will of God. I know 
he will do right with his children. I thank 
God that I am entirely in his hands. I feel 
willing to live, or die, as he thinks best. My 
only wish is, that he may be glorified. I hope, 
should I ever recover, I shall be more faithful 
in the cause of Christ, than I have ever been.' " 

A request was sent to Dr. Campbell to visit 
her as soon as possible. But he was unable to 
come till the 21st, by which time Catharine 
was so much enfeebled, as to be entirely con- 
fined to her room. She could not even raise 
herself without assistance. 

The physician gave it as his opinion, that 
she could live but a few days, unless she was 
removed to Limestone, it being impossible for 
him to attend on her at so great a distance. 
Whether «uch a removal was practicable, was 
at first doubted. But a kind Providence fur- 
nished unexpectedly such facilities for the 
measure, that it was determined on. 

Before entering on an account of her re- 
moval, some further notices of the state of her 
mind will be given. 

Just before her leaving home, she requested 
a friend to write thus, on her behalf, to her 
brother David. 

I 2 



102 



MEMOIR OF 



" I am entirely resigned to the will of God, 
and hope you will feel the same resignation. 
I am perfectly willing to die, or to live, as the 
Lord shall direct. This world is nothing but 
sin. I have no wish to live in it but to do 
good. If it be the Lord's will to take me now, 
I am willing to go." 

Dr. Campbeir says :—" Religious confi- 
dence and tranquillity Were at this time her 
sweet companions. How happy she seemed 
in my view, so near the confines of the eter- 
nal world, about to relinquish all earthly cares 
and sorrows for the enjoyment .of her dear 
Redeemer's presence. 

" On the 23d, she seemed to have the most 
cheering evidence of her interest in the Lord 
Jesus. Thus she exclaimed, — 4 Now I am 
ready to die. Oh, how delightful is the view 
of my Saviour ! How happy shall I be, when 
I arrive at my Father's house.' 

" On being asked, what would be her feel- 
ings, if it was the will of God she should live, 
she replied ; 6 The Lord's will be done and 
not mine. If I can promote his cause in any 
way, I am desirous to live. But if I am taken 
away, I hope my brother David will be use- 
ful, in bringing our benighted nation to a 
knowledge of Jesus.' 

" Her soul appeared full, and more than 
full, of love to God. She spoke much of his 
goodness to her, and expressed much regret, 
that she had done so little in his cause. The 



CATHARINE BROWN. 



103 



day preceding this, she had expressed a wish 
to go to Huntsville, and unite with Mrs. L. 
and C. in forming an association for prayer, 
and in endeavouring to do something for the 
cause of Christ." 

Catharine was now unable to endure the 
motion of a carriage, even for a short distance. 
It was necessary, therefore, in proceeding to 
Limestone, to carry her on a litter to the Ten- 
nessee river, which was six miles distant ; 
then to take her in a boat down the river, 
forty miles, to a village named Trianna ; and 
from thence, on a litter again, about five miles 
to Dr. Campbell's. But, in order to the suc- 
cessful prosecution of this enterprise, the aid 
of some person, through the whole distance, 
who was acquainted with the English lan- 
guage, was indispensable. And it should be 
noted, that just when the question of removal 
was agitated, Mr. William Leech, a pious ac- 
quaintance from Huntsville, providentially ar- 
rived at Creek- Path, and very kindly tendered 
his services. 

Monday, the 26th of May, was the time 
appointed for commencing the journey. Her 
people then manifested strong proofs of affec- 
tion and respect. 

" Numbers," says Mrs. Potter, " assembled 
to take, as they feared, and as it proved, a last 
look of their beloved friend. After a prayer, 
in which she was commended to the divine 
protection, the canoe was announced to be in 



104 



MEMOIR OF 



readiness, and we followed the litter, borne 
by her affectionate people, to the river. Old 
and young were bathed in tears, and some 
were obliged to use their influence to prevent 
a general and loud lamention. Catharine alone 
was calm, while she bade farewell to those 
she tenderly loved." 

Mr. Leech says, that small groups of her 
acquaintance were frequently seen on the 
road, waiting her approach. When she arrived 
where they were, they would hasten to the 
side of the litter, take her by the hand, and 
often walk away without speaking a word, the 
tears all the while rolling down their cheeks. 

From Mr. Leech's narrative of the voyage 
and journey, several extracts will be given. 

" About 4 o'clock P. M. on the 26th, we 
began to glide quite pleasantly down the 
stream, accompanied by several of Catharine's 
relatives. Our design was to stop as soon as 
it became dark, until the moon arose. But we 
could discover no suitable place for landing, 
till daylight was gone, and then the difficulty 
was increased. The margin of the river was 
generally covered with brush-wood. In some 
places, the shore was a deep mire ; at others, 
there were bluffs and rocks. This made land- 
ing difficult and dangerous in the dark ; and 
along this part of the river were scarcely any 
settlements. 

" At length the danger of running was such, 
as to determine us to get upon the land in 



CATHARINE BROWN. 105 



some way. We accordingly steered towards 
the shore, and providentially discovered a good 
landing-place, near which was also a house, 
where our party Avas kindly entertained, and 
our various wants supplied. Had we passed 
this place, we should not have found such 
another, for twenty miles. 




" When the moon was sufficiently risen, 
we again started. The night was beautiful, 
and the rocks and mountains, towering up 
from the river's brink, looked grand by the 
moonlight as we passed along. The next day 



106 



MEMOIR OF 



the heat of the sun was excessive, and we 
did not reach Trianna till one o'clock in the 
afternoon. 

" Here we were all strangers. I had, how- 
ever, a letter from Dr. Campbell to a young 
gentleman, which I delivered. He obtained a 
carriage, but Catharine was too weak to ride 
in.it. How to procure people enough, in this 
land of strangers, to carry her on a litter to 
Dr. C.'s, a distance of five miles, I knew not. 
But our situation becoming known, men were 
soon at hand to carry her, free of all expense. 

" And here I would observe, that every 
person, who saw her, was, so far as I could 
discover, much interested in her behalf. 

"When we were ready to start, our young 
friend, to whom I brought the letter, placed 
the mother and sister of Catharine in the car- 
riage, and went himself with them. Thus we 
were assisted on our way, the Lord putting it 
into the hearts of strangers to afford us every 
facility in their power, and we arrived at Dr. 
Campbell's, a little before dark, on the 27th." 

Here, not less than at her father's house, 
she found friends, who were ready to make 
any sacrifice for her comfort, and with whom 
she could freely converse on the subject which 
lay nearest her heart. Under the skilful care 
of Dr. Campbell, she soon began to amend, 
and hopes were entertained, that she would 
even partially recover. 

Early in June, her dear friend, Mrs. Potter, 



CATHARINE BROWN. 107 



came from Creek-Path to see her. This lady, 
in a letter to the corresponding secretary of 
the board, remarks as follows : 

" She then seemed to think she might re- 
cover ; but manifested no wish to live, unless 
it should be for the glory of God. She said, 
4 When I enjoy the presence of the Saviour, 
I long to be gone.' 

44 While at Dr. Campbell's I wrote a letter 
to her brother David, informing him of her 
illness. When about to close the letter, I went 
to her bed-side, and said, 4 Catharine, what 
shall I say to your brother for you V 

"After a short pause, she replied, 4 If you 
will write, I will dictate a short letter.' 

" Then raising herself in the bed, and wip- 
ing a tear, that was falling from her eye, she, 
with a sweet smile, began to relate what God 
had done for her soul while upon that sick bed. 

44 To my partial eye, she was, at that mo- 
ment, an interesting spectacle, and I have 
often wished, that her portrait could then have 
been taken. Her countenance was softened 
with the affectionate remembrance of an en- 
deared brother, her cheek was a little flushed 
with the exertion of speaking, her eye beamed 
with spiritual joy, and a heavenly smile ani- 
mated the whole scene. I shall never forget it, 
nor the words she then whispered in my ear." 

The reader, will naturally desire to see the 
letter, which was dictated and penned under 
circumstances so interesting. It was written 



108 



MEMOIR OF 



in exact accordance with her dictation, and 
was as follows : 

Limestone, June 13, 1823. 

My dear Brother. 

Mrs. Potter has told you the particulars of 
my illness. I will only tell you what I have 
experienced on my sick-bed. 

I have found that it is good for me to be 
afflicted. The Saviour is very precious to me. 
I often enjoy his presence, and I long to be 
where I can enjoy it without sin. I have in- 
deed been brought very low, and did not ex- 
pect to live until this time. But I have had 
joy, such as I never experienced before. I 
longed to be gone ; was ready to die at any 
moment. 

I love you very much, and it would be a 
great happiness to me to see you again in this 
world. Yet I don't know that I shall. God 
only knows. We must submit to his will. 
We know, that if we never meet again in this 
world, the Lord has prepared a place in his 
heavenly kingdom, where I trust we shall 
meet, never to part. We ought to be thank- 
ful for what he has done for us. If he had 
not sent us the gospel, we should have died 
without any knowledge of the Saviour. 

You must not be grieved when you hear of 
my illness. You must remember that this 
world is not our home, that we must all 
die soon. 



CATHARINE BROWN. 



109 



I am here under the care of Dr. Campbell, 
and his very kind family. My mother, and 
sister Susan are with me. Since I came here, 
I have been a great deal better, and the doctor 
sometimes gives encouragement of my getting 
well. But we cannot tell. I am willing to sub- 
mit myself to the will of God. I am willing 
to die, or live, as he sees best. 

I know I am his. He has bought me with 
his blood, and I do not wish to have any will 
but his. He is good, and can do nothing 
wrong. I trust if he spares my life, he will 
enable me to be faithful in his cause. I have 
no desire to live in this world, but to be en- 
gaged in his service. 

It was my intention to instruct the people 
more than I had done, when I returned from 
Brainerd ; but when I got home, I was not 
able to do it. 

It was a great trial to me not to be able to 
visit our neighbours, and instruct them. But I 
feel that it is all right. It is my prayer that 
you may be useful, and I hope the Lord urill 
make you useful to our poor people. 

From your affectionate sister, 

Catharine. 

How much soever her hopes and those of 
her friends were raised at this period, with 
respect to her recovery, they were of brief 
duration. Though every attention, which an 
unwearied kindness could bestow, was given 



110 



MEMOIR OF 



her, and prayer was offered continually on her 
behalf, her Lord and Master was pleased to 
hasten her departure. She had entered the 
last six weeks of her life, and thenceforward 
her descent towards the grave was regular 
and unremitted. 

Dr. Campbell now thought it his duty to 
inform her parents and herself, that his hopes, 
even of her partial recovery, were gone. 

Upon communicating this intelligence to 
her father, who a little before had gone to 
Limestone, the good old man, after a solemn 
silence of several minutes, observed, " The 
Lord has been good to give me such a child, 
and he has a right to take her when he thinks 
best. But though it is my duty to give her up, 
it is hard to part with her." 

Catharine received the notice without mani- 
festing any alarm. She only requested the 
doctor to inform her, how long she might 
probably live. 

On the morning of July 17th, she was sup- 
posed to have commenced her last agonies, 
and Dr. Campbell was immediately called to 
her bed-side. 

He found some appearance of anxiety on 
her countenance, the result of new sensations 
of bodily distress, not of any agitation of 
mind. As soon as she could speak, (for she 
was sometimes speechless,) extending her 
hand to her medical friend, she calmly ob- 
served, 4 1 am gone.' 



CATHARINE BROWN. Ill 



Some hours after this, when her distress 
returned, and her respiration had become very- 
difficult and painful, she said, in reference to 
her sufferings, 4 What shall I do V She was 
asked, whether in this trying hour, she could 
not confidently rely on her Saviour ? She an- 
swered, 4 Yes.' 

Through the day her mind was tranquil, 
and though several times, when her mother 
and friends were weeping about her, the tears 
started into her eyes, she would quickly sup- 
press them. She seemed to spend most of the 
time in prayer. 

The night was distressing, owing to her 
difficulty of breathing. In the morning she 
looked toward the window, and asked if it 
was not day. She was told that it was. Then, 
turning her eyes towards heaven, an inde- 
scribable placidness spread over her coun- 
tenance. 

She expired so gently, that even those 
around the bed scarcely knew that the last 
breath had left her, until the physician in- 
formed them she was gone. 

This lovely convert from heathenism died 
a little past 6 o'clock, on the morning of July 
18th, 1823. 



Her afflicted relatives conveyed ler remains 
to Creek-Path, where, on the 20th, they were 
deposited near the residence of aer parents, 
and by the side of her brother John, who had 



112 



MEMOIR OF 



died about a year and a half before, in the 
triumphs of the same faith. 

Her age was about twenty- three. Six years 
had elapsed from her first entering the school 
at Brainerd. She was then unacquainted with 
the religion of the Bible. But she became en- 
lightened and sanctified through the instru- 
mentality of the gospel of Jesus, preached to 
her by the missionaries of the cross : and her 
end was glorious. 

A neat monument of wood, erected by her 
bereaved relatives, covers the grave where she 
was laid. And though, a few years hence, 
this monument may no longer exist to mark 
the spot where she slumbers, yet shall her 
dust be precious in the eyes of the Lord, and 
her virtues shall be told for a memorial of her. 



CATHARINE BROWN. 



113 



CHAPTER VI. 

HER CHARACTER. 

Remarks upon her character, — Hie excellen- 
cies in her character a result of missionary 
labour. — How much can be made of the 
Indian character. — Grounds of encourage- 
ment. — Importance of present efforts. — 
Civilization never precedes Christianity. — 
The life of Catharine an appeal to the 
community. 

The mind of Catharine was of a delicate 
texture, well proportioned, and happily ba- 
lanced. It perceived clearly, and usually judged 
correctly. In the acquisition of knowledge, it 
operated with ease, and it had more than com- 
mon facility in imparting its knowledge to 
others. 

It is obvious to remark, also, her delicate 
sensibility, her exact views of propriety, her 
high principles of action, her gentleness and 
sweetness of manner. With her advantages of 
person and her excellencies of mind, she need- 
ed only greater opportunities to have attained 
a high degree of refinement and grace. 

But until she came to the age at which the 
females of our nation have nearly or quite 
completed their education, she derived no 
benefit whatever from the use of books, and 
k2 



114 



MEMOIR OF 



enjoyed very little intercourse with civilized 
people. Her mind, like the wilderness in which 
she had her home, was uncultivated : and she 
lived but six years after her admission to the 
school at Brainerd. 

" The most conspicuous trait in her cha- 
racter," Mrs. Potter says, "was humility. 
Though elevated far above most of her sex 
around her, her conduct towards them was 
such as to gain their entire confidence and 
esteem ; nor was it ever said — 4 Catharine is 
proudS 

" I never could discover that her vanity 
was excited by the numerous attentions, which 
she received from different parts of our coun- 
try. She received them as paid her for Christ's 
sake. When presents came, her language 
was, 8 These do not belong to me. I do not 
deserve them. Many Christians have heard 
that I love the Saviour, and send me presents 
on this account. But oh, I feel ashamed that 
I live so far from him.' 

" She received many letters, some of which 
were highly complimentary ; but so far from 
fostering pride, they always seemed to in- 
crease her humility. Once having received a 
letter full of expressions of the strongest ad- 
miration of her character, she was gently 
cautioned against being lifted up with vanity. 
The tears started into her eyes, and she re- 
plied, 6 that she believed people had formed 
loo high an opinion of her, and that if they 



CATHARINE BROWN. 



115 



knew her personally, their esteem would be 
diminished.' 

" She was much distressed, that so many 
of her letters had been published, and for a 
season it was with difficulty that we could 
persuade her to write to her correspondents. 
4 1 suppose,' she said, ' the object at first was, 
to show that an Indian could improve. But 
two or three letters would have answered this 
purpose, as well as all I have ever written.' "* 

Another says, " I have often seen her in 
company at Hunts ville, and although she was 
very much caressed, and her society sought 
by the most respectable people, yet she al- 
ways appeared humble. There was nothing 
about her that was vain, or assuming. This 
was not the effect of insensibility to those acts 
of kindness. She would sometimes say to her 
particular friends, ' I wish I was more worthy 
of such friendly attentions.' " 

Great forbearance was a consequence of 
this humility of spirit. Says Mrs. P. " 1 once 
heard a person rail at her with much ill nature, 
because she had not performed a small task 
which he requested might be done, but which 
other engagements forbad at the time. She 
heard with entire composure without saying 
a word, and then, although under no obliga- 

* Her letters v%^ere published by different friends to 
whom they were addressed, to gratify the laudable curiosi- 
ty of the community. It is proper to remark, however, that 
not more than two or three were ever inserted in the pub- 
lications of the American Board. 



116 



MEMOIR OF 



tion to do the work, she quietly took her seat 
and performed it." 

.Another and most interesting trait in her 
character, will be described, in the language 
of her friend and benefactor, Dr. Campbell. 

" The Saviour seemed to be continually the 
anchor of her hope, the source of her constant 
and greatest happiness, and the object of her 
most ardent love. With her friends, she was 
at all times communicative and interesting ; 
but when He became the theme of conversa- 
tion, the faculties of her soul appeared to re- 
ceive new vigor, and she became doubly inter- 
esting. Every expression showed, that she 
was charmed with the goodness of God, in 
making such provision for fallen, lost man. 
Although on other subjects she was not gener- 
ally very animated, her whole soul seemed to 
feel the importance of this, which produced 
an earnestness of expression and manner, that 
constrained those around her to feel its im- 
portance too." 

Her habits of devotion were remarkable, 
and show how much she delighted in com- 
munion with her Saviour. Mrs. Potter says — 

" The Bible was her constant companion. 
The law of God was her delight and medita- 
tion all the day. And I think I may safely 
say, that no morning or evening passed, dur- 
ing her residence with us, (which was con- 
siderably more than a year,) when she did 
not retire to hold communion with her God* 



CATHARINE BROWN. 117 



At these seasons of devotion, I was not un- 
frequently permitted to be by her side, and 
listen to the fervent breathings of her soul. In 
strains of deepest humility, she confessed her 
sins, acknowledged her obligations to her 
heavenly Father, and with great fervency 
prayed for complete conformity to the divine 
will. Her dear people were never forgotten, 
and her petitions were extended from them to 
all mankind. 




" In the warm season of the year, the ad- 
jacent woods was the place of her retirement, 
and there are several spots around our humble 
mansion, on which I never tread but as upon 



118 



MEMOIR OF 



ground consecrated by the prayers of that 
lovely saint. 

"She not unfrequently spent whole days in 
fasting and prayer. One fine summer's day, 
she had been absent nearly all the forenoon in 
the woods, and knowing that some intoxicated 
Indians had passed, I felt anxious for her safe- 
ty, and sent some of the children in search 
of her. She returned, expressing much con- 
cern that she had caused me so much anxiety, 
and added, that she was sorry she had not 
told me of her intention to pass that day in 
the mountain, which was but a short distance 
from the house. I then discovered to what 
employments she had devoted the day, and 
regretted that I had disturbed her." 

Nor was she unmindful of the duties she 
owed her people. She seems ever to have 
watched for opportunities to do them good. 
Indeed their conversion to God was a favour- 
ite object through every vicissitude of health 
and circumstances, down to the end of life 

" Patient she strives, 
By prayer, and by instruction, to arouse 
Reflection in the hearts of those she styles 
Her wretched people. Modest, tender, kind, 
Her words and actions ; every vain desire 
Is laid obedient at the feet ot Christ. 
And now no more the gaiety she seeks 
Of proud apparel : ornaments of gold 
She gladly barters for the plain attire 
Of meek and lowly spirits."* 

* Traits of the Aborigines of America, pp. 161, 162. 



CATHARINE BROWN. 119 



" Through faith in the Lord Jesus," says 
the first spiritual guide she ever had, the Rev. 
Mrs. Kingsbury, 64 she was enabled to bring 
forth the fruits of righteousness, and has left 
a bright example of the power of divine grace 
over one who was born in the darkness of 
heathenism, and is now rejoicing with her 
Saviour." 

Such was Catharine Brown, the converted 
Cherokee. Such, too, were the changes 
wrought in her, through the blessing of Al- 
mighty God on the labours of missionaries. 
They, and only they, as the instruments of 
divine grace, had the formation of her Chris- 
tian character ; and that character, excellent 
and lovely as it was, resulted from the nature 
of their instructions. Her expansion of mind, 
her enlargement of views, her elevated affec- 
tions, her untiring benevolence, are all to be 
traced, under God, to her intercourse with 
them. The glory belongs to God ; but the in- 
strumental agency, the subordinate success, 
were theirs. 

In her history, we see how much can be 
made of the Indian character. Catharine was 
an Indian. Her parentage, her early circum- 
stances and education, with a few unimportant 
exceptions, were like those of the Cherokees 
generally. She dwelt in the same wilderness, 
was conversant with the same society, was 
actuated by the same fears, and hopes, and 



120 



MEMOIR OF 



expectations, and naturally possessed the same 
traits of character. Yet what did she become ! 
How agreeable as an associate, how exempla- 
ry as a member of the domestic and social 
circle, and of the Christian church, how blame- 
less and lovely in all the walks of life ! Her 
Christian character was esteemed by all who 
knew her, while she lived, and will bear the 
strictest scrutiny, now she is dead. To such 
an excellence may the Indian character attain ; 
for, to such an excellence did it actually attain 
in her. And why may it not ? Are there no 
other Indian minds as susceptible of disci- 
pline and culture ? no other spirits, that, in the 
plastic hands of the Divine Agent, can receive 
as beautiful a conformation ? Are there not 
dispositions as gentle, hearts as full of feeling, 
minds as lively and strong ? And cannot such 
minds be so fashioned and adorned, that hea- 
venly grace shall beam as charmingly from 
them, as it did from hers ? 

The supposition, that she possessed mental 
and moral capabilities, which are rare among 
her people, while it adds nothing to our re- 
spect for her, does injustice to her nation. In 
personal attraction, and in universal propriety 
of manner, she was, undoubtedly, much dis- 
tinguished. But, in amiableness of disposi- 
tion, in quickness of apprehension, in intel- 
lectual vigour, it is believed there are hun- 
dreds of Cherokee youth, who are scarcely 
less favoured. 



CATHARINE BROWN. 121 



There have been other converts from among 
her people, both among the old and the young, 
in whom similar transformations have been 
wrought. Her brother John, her aged and 
venerable parents, and others still, might be 
named. More than fifty Cherokees were ad- 
ded to the church, the first year after the de- 
cease of Catharine, the great proportion of 
whom adorn their profession in a manner re- 
sembling what we admire in her. 

It is hardly possible, indeed, that any of 
these converts should become so well known 
to our community, as she was. Circumstances 
have changed. The novelty of Indian missions 
is gone. The multiplication of converts di- 
minishes our curiosity respecting individuals. 
But excellence and worth of character are 
none the less real for being unnoticed and 
unknown. 

The life of Catharine Brown should operate 
as an appeal to the benevolence of the Chris- 
tian community. Though dead, she speaks : 
and let her voice fall with persuasive, irre- 
sistible eloquence upon every ear. 

Shall her people, of whom, by the purifying 
and ennobling influences of the gospel, so 
much can be made, be abandoned to igno- 
rance and wo ? Shall beings, who are capable 
of knowing God, of understanding the grand 
economy of his grace, of enjoying the im- 
perishable blessings of his salvation, be shut 
L 



122 



MEMOIR OF 



out eternally from such wisdom, and debarred 
for ever from such enj oyment ? Are they not 
susceptible of whatever is useful, and beau- 
tiful, and even sublime, in character ? Can 
they not appreciate, and will they not use, the 
means of Christian civilization, if placed with- 
in their reach ? 

And may we not expect an abundant re- 
ward ? Nay, have we not already been amply 
rewarded ? To say nothing of the impulse given 
to the intellect, the industry, and the enter- 
prise of the nation, to which the subject of 
this memoir belonged ; or of their accelerated 
progress in legislation and government ; or of 
the melioration in the habits and manners of 
their domestic and social life ; or of the rudi- 
ments of learning imparted to a multitude of 
children and youth ; or of the amount of sacred 
truth, the only means of conversion and sanc- 
tification, instilled into their minds ; or of an 
inheritance in the heavens secured to many 
souls : — to say nothing of all this, were not the 
holy life and triumphant death of Catharine 
Brown, an ample remuneration for all the la- 
bours and expenditures of the mission to her 
tribe ? 

Say, ye missionaries of the cross, should 
ye repent of your self-denying toils, if this had 
proved your only reward ? Say, ye churches 
of the Redeemer, would ye recall her sainted 
spirit from the skies, if what ye have expend- 
ed for her nation could be refunded ? A thou 



CATHARINE BROWN. 123 



sand worlds would not be worth what you 
have, through the grace of God, secured to 
her, as is humbly believed, in the regions of 
the blessed. And when ye, also, stand on the 
heights of the Zion above, and behold her 
ransomed spirit " filled with all the fulness of 
God," and exulting amid the hosts of heaven, 
will ye have any regrets for the sacrifices it 
cost you to send the gospel to her people ? 

Let the grasp of avarice be loosed ; let be- 
nevolence reign ; and let the messengers of 
salvation speedily be sent to every nation and 
tribe in the great western wilds. 

" The wilderness and the solitary place 
shall be glad for them, and the desert shall 
rejoice and blossom as the rose." 



APPENDIX. 



MR. JOHN BROWN, THE FATHER OF CATHARINE. 

The Memoir of Catharine furnishes various 
notices of this venerable Indian. 

After the decease of his affectionate and be- 
loved daughter, Mr. Brown removed, with his 
family, to the Arkansas Territory, and settled 
not far from the missionary station at D wight. 
He had not been long in that country, before 
he became seriously ill with the ague and 
fever, and remained so for many weeks ; but 
through his long and painful sickness he mani- 
fested a truly Christian temper. " My heaven- 
ly Father," he said, " knows best what I 
need, and will make every thing work for my 
good. I would not change his holy will re- 
specting me, if I could." During the parox- 
isms of fever, he was considerably delirious. 
Though his remarks at such times were wild 
and incoherent, they indicated a resigned and 
sanctified temper. He frequently repeated in 
English the words, My heavenly Father, my 
Saviour, Jesus, Heaven. When favoured 

124 



APPENDIX. 



125 



with an interval of recollection, he said, " I 
wish to think of my Saviour and heaven, but 
my disordered brain forbids." This sickness 
was in the autumn of 1824. 

The next spring we hear of his taking 
measures to expose the impositions of an In- 
dian prophet, who pretended to have inter- 
course with invisible beings, and to be able to 
foretel future events, and had agitated the 
Cherokees with alarm. The impostor shrunk 
away from the sagacity of the venerable old man. 

Mr. Brown adorned his profession to the 
last, by a bright example of piety and benevo- 
lence. He died some time in the autumn of 
1826, aged about 66. 

The mother of Catharine still lives in the 
Arkansas. 



DAVID BROWN, THE BROTHER OF CATHARINE. 

This young man, of whom repeated men- 
tion is made in the preceding memoir, was 
seized with bleeding at the lungs, in the spring 
of 1829, and died at Creek-Path, about the 
middle of September, of the same year. His 
conduct was exemplary to the close of life, 
and he died in a very happy state of mind. 
In a letter to the corresponding secretary of 
the board, dated June 1st, he said ; " On the 
l2 



126 



APPENDIX. 



bed of sickness I have enjoyed sweet com- 
munion with my dear Saviour."— Materials 
had been collected for a brief memoir of this 
amiable young man ; but they were consumed 
by the flames, which destroyed the missionary 
rooms in Boston, in the spring of 1830. 



MISSION OF THE AMERICAN BOARD OF FOREIGN 
MISSIONS AMONG THE CHEROKEES. 

It has been mentioned, in the preceding 
memoir, that the board of missions commenced 
its operations among the Cherokees in the 
spring of 1817, by opening a school at a place 
to which the name of Brainerd was subse- 
quently given. The memoir affords, also, the 
materials for learning the internal economy of 
that missionary establishment. The following 
additional facts respecting the mission, and the 
people for whose benefit it was established, 
will be acceptable to the reader. 

The country inhabited by the Cherokees, 
eastward of the Mississippi river, was re- 
ceived by them from their ancestors. Their 
present territory is supposed to contain up- 
wards of 10,000 square miles, or more than 
6,000,000 of acres. About two thirds of this 
country lie within the conventional limits of 
the state of Georgia, one fifth in Alabama, 



APPENDIX, 



127 



one tenth in Tennessee, and a small fraction 
in North Carolina. Some of their land is of 
the best quality, much of it is inferior, and not a 
little incapable of cultivation. The number 
of Cherokees scattered over this territory is 
about 14,000. 

Among this people the board has seven mis- 
sionary establishments — at Brainerd, Carmel, 
Creek-Path, Hightower, Willstown, Haweis, 
and Candy'' s Creek. The three first are re- 
peatedly mentioned in the memoir. Brainerd 
is situated near the 35th parallel of latitude, 
seven miles south-east of the Tennessee river, 
and within the chartered limits of Tennessee. 
Carmel is sixty- two miles south-east of Brain- 
erd. Creek-Path is one hundred miles west- 
south-west of Brainerd. Hightower is eighty 
miles south-south-east, and Haweis fifty miles 
south of Brainerd. Willstown is fifty miles 
south-south-west of Brainerd ; and Candy's 
Creek is twenty-five miles north-east of 
Brainerd. 

Four clergymen are employed by the board 
among the Cherokees as-missionaries, or evan- 
gelists. Five schoolmasters are also em- 
ployed, of whom one is a physician. Six 
others perform the duties of farmers or me- 
chanics. A number of the married females, 
and one who is unmarried, assist in teaching 
the Indian girls connected with the schools. 

The venerable Father Hoyt died suddenly 



128 



APPENDIX. 



at Willstown, in February, 1828, in a good 
old age. His memory will long be blessed 
among the people, for whose sake he made 
the wilderness his home. 

About one hundred and fifty Cherokees have 
been received into the mission church, con- 
nected with the establishments of the board. 

Schools are taught at all the stations^ and 
though constantly varying in the number of 
pupils, and often embarrassed by the insta- 
bility of parents, they are generally popular 
with the natives, and exert a salutary influ- 
ence. A description of one will afford the 
means of judging with respect to all, since the 
nature and results of all are similar. The 
school at Creek-Path will be selected, in 
which, the reader will remember, Catharine 
was once an instructer. The description is 
from the pen of the Rev. Joseph Allan, of 
Huntsville, Alabama, who visited Creek-Path 
in September 1827, for the purpose of attend- 
ing an examination of the school. 

" The school at Creek-Path," he says, " is 
composed of about thirty Indian children, of 
various ages, and in various stages of improve- 
ment. The examination commenced after 
prayer, by exercises in reading. A very con- 
siderable portion of the scholars can read with 
fluency. This acquisition, by a Cherokee 
child, is not made but with considerable diffi- 
culty : our language abounding so much more 



APPENDIX. 



129 



with consonants than theirs, renders the pro- 
nunciation of it with any tolerable degree of 
accuracy, a very serious task to them. It was 
truly pleasing to witness their success in ob- 
viating the difficulty. Some of them, I am 
persuaded, read as well as any children of the 
same age among the whites. The next ex- 
ercise to which our attention was called, was 
spelling. In this branch they acquitted them- 
selves with great propriety. A few words 
were spelled wrong, and but a few, out of a 
considerable number. To see these children 
of the forest thus advancing in the first ele- 
ments of knowledge, was truly gratifying : but 
the pleasure was still greater on finding a 
much larger number of them than I had an- 
ticipated, possessing quite a respectable know- 
ledge of grammar and geography. The ex- 
amination in these branches was thorough and 
highly satisfactory. In addition to this, a few 
of the most advanced pupils stood a very par- 
ticular examination on the history of this coun- 
try, the different periods of its settlement by 
the whites, and of their wars with the Indians. 
On this subject many questions were asked 
and readily answered, which indicated a pro- 
gress in historical knowledge not surpassed, I 
believe, in many of our best regulated acade- 
mies. But this was not all. The audience 
were next to be gratified by an exhibition of 
speaking talent. Several single speeches, and 



130 



APPENDIX. 



a very interesting dialogue, founded on the 
story of Joseph and his brethren, were spoken 
uncommonly well. This was indeed novel and 
unexpected; and though the children had 
never witnessed any thing of the kind in their 
lives, yet I am confident I do not exaggerate, 
when I say that the performance was excel- 
lent. The speech of Brutus on the death of 
Caesar, and that of Mark Antony on the same 
occasion, were spoken by two of the boys 
with great animation. I was much interested 
in another spoken by a full blooded boy. It 
was taken from the Columbian Orator, at- 
tributed to an Indian, and begins with these 
words — " Fathers, when you crossed the 
great waters."— This piece, as you may sup- 
pose, appeared quite in keeping with the little 
Cherokee orator, who delivered it with great 
propriety. After this entertaining exercise, the 
girls were called on to exhibit specimens of 
their work. Of their skill in this matter I could 
not so well judge. A lady from Huntsville, 
however, who was present, assured me that 
their performance in this department gave 
pleasing proof of their ingenuity in the use of 
the needle. 

" After this the children were catechised. 
Their answers were generally prompt and 
accurate ; evincing that they had been faith- 
fully instructed in the important principles of 
the Christian religion. The highly interesting 



APPENDIX. 



exercises of the day were concluded by two 
addresses and a prayer. One of the addresses 
was made by an aged chief in the Cherokee 
language. The purport of it was to encourage 
the children in learning, and to inculcate obe- 
dience to their instructers. I must beg leave 
once more to express the very great degree of 
satisfaction I felt in attending this examina- 
tion. It afforded at once most grateful evidence 
of the happy effects of missionary operations, 
of the fidelity and ability of those who have 
charge of this station, and of the capacity of 
Indian children to receive useful instruction. 
And I could have wished that all those who 
felt either indifferent, or opposed to missions, 
had been present : their ill-founded prejudices 
must surely have vanished in view of such an 
interesting spectacle. From the preceding re- 
marks it will be seen, that the missionary 
cause had made some progress in Creek-Path ; 
and even were there nothing to speak of but 
the interesting school there, this alone would 
justify all the expense which the board have 
incurred : but something more has been done. 
A goodly number of adults residing there have 
been brought out of darkness into the marvel- 
lous light of the Gospel." 

Some other notices from Mr. Allan's com- 
munication are subjoined. 

" The examination was followed by a sacra- 
mental occasion, commencing on Saturday and 



132 



APPENDIX. 



ending on Monday. The public exercises 
were alternate^ in English and in Cherokee. 
On the Sabbath the Lord's Supper was ad- 
ministered to about fifty communicants of va- 
rious colours and nations. The assembly, 
though small, reminded me of that mentioned 
by John, composed of all nations, kindreds, 
and tongues ; and might, I thought, not inapt- 
ly be considered as a representation of heaven 
upon earth. A communion season under or- 
dinary circumstances is interesting ; but it 
seemed doubly so here. To reflect on the 
former desolate condition of these dear people, 
and to contrast it with their present eligible 
situation, was calculated to elicit from the 
pious heart the highest praise to God. A few 
years ago they were utterly unacquainted with 
the blessed gospel ; they were immersed in 
the grossest darkness ; no voice of mercy had 
reached their ears ; no friendly Sabbath col- 
lected them together to hear the word of God : 
but now we beheld them under the influence 
of gospel light ; rejoicing in the mercy of God, 
in the privileges of the Sabbath, in the in- 
structions of the sacred word, and seated 
around the Lord's table, partaking of the 
memorials of his broken body and shed blood. 
To hear of these facts, sir, is a blessed thing; 
but it is more blessed to see them. 

" On Monday was the anniversary of the 
Creek-Path female benevolent society. At 



APPENDIX. 



133 



their request a sermon was preached, adapted 
to the occasion. The members of the society 
met after sermon, and attended to the business 
of the day. The little society contributes an- 
nually something like ten or twelve dollars ; 
thus setting an example of Christian benevo- 
lence, which we should like to see imitated 
by many of the professed disciples of Christ 
among the whites." 

The memoir makes mention of the Mora- 
vian mission at Spring-Place. This mission 
has been enlarged by the addition of one more 
station. Mr. Gambold finished his labours on 
earth in November 1827. — The American 
baptist board of missions has also two mis- 
sionary stations among the Cherokees, at each 
of which a missionary resides ; and the Amer- 
ican methodist episcopal society employs 
four missionaries, who preach in different 
circuits. 

The Cherokees have made considerable 
progress in civilization. In 1826 they were 
said, on authority deserving of credit, to possess 
22,000 horned cattle, 7,600 horses, 46,000 
swine, 2,500 sheep, 762 looms, 2,488 spin- 
ning wheels, 172 wagons, 2,943 ploughs, 10 
saw-mills, 31 grist-mills, 62 blacksmith-shops, 
and 8 cotton machines. Sixteen years before, 
with a more numerous population, they pos- 
sessed only three saw-mills, 30 wagons, and 
500 ploughs. 



134 



APPENDIX. 



Courts have been established for several 
years, and justice administered according to 
the usages of civilized countries. The national 
council has met annually, and exercised the 
functions of a legislative body. Lately a regu- 
lar constitution has been adopted, the provi- 
sions of which, should there be no interference 
from abroad, seem likely to ensure to the 
Cherokees the blessings of a wisely framed 
government. 

In 1826, the national council of the Chero- 
kees ordered a printing establishment to be 
procured at the public expense, chiefly with 
a view to publish a weekly newspaper at the 
seat of their government. Such an establish- 
ment has accordingly been procured, and sent 
to them. It consists of an iron press of an im- 
proved construction ; a fount of English types, 
and another in the characters invented by a 
native Cherokee, to represent the syllables in 
the language ; together with the entire furni- 
ture of a printing office. The Cherokees have 
hired a printer and an editor to superintend 
the establishment, the latter of whom is one 
of their own countrymen, who was educated 
in part at the foreign mission school in Corn- 
wall. The newspaper is to be printed partly 
in Cherokee and partly in English. 

The name of the Cherokee who invented 
the syllabic alphabet above mentioned, is 
George Guess. He does not speak English, 



APPENDIX. 



135 



and was never taught to read Englisn books. 
Having become acquainted with the principle 
of the alphabet, viz. that marks can be made the 
symbols of sounds, this man conceived the 
notion of expressing all the syllables of the 
Cherokee language by separate characters. 
After long study and trial, he collected eighty- 
two syllables, and could discover no more. 
To express these, he used the characters in 
our alphabet, and various modifications of 
them, and some characters of his own inven- 
tion. With these symbols he set about writing 
letters, and soon a correspondence was main- 
tained between the Cherokees in Wills Val- 
ley and their countrymen beyond the Missis- 
sippi, five hundred miles apart. This was 
done by individuals who could not speak 
English, and who had learned no alphabet ex- 
cept the one invented by Guess. The interest 
in this matter has increased to a high degree 
of enthusiasm. Great numbers have learned 
to read. Hymns and portions of Scripture, 
written by means of this alphabet, are exten- 
sively circulated, and letters are written every 
day ; and the nation have awarded a medal to 
the inventor of a wonderful method of writing 
their own language. Either Guess himself, or 
some other person, has discovered four other 
syllables ; thus making all the known syllables 
in this language eighty-six. This is a curious 
fact ; especially when it is considered, that 



138 



APPENDIX. 



the language is very copious on some sub- 
jects, a single verb undergoing some thousands 
of inflections. 

" Among the Cherokees, we are to see the 
first printing press ever owned and employed 
by any nation of the Aborigines of this conti- 
nent ; the first effort at writing and printing in 
characters of their own ; the first newspaper, 
and the first book printed among themselves ; 
the first editor ; and the first well organized 
systems for securing a general diffusion of 
knowledge among the people. Among the 
Cherokees, also, we see established the first 
regularly elective government, with the legis- 
lative, judicial, and executive branches dis- 
tinct ; with the safeguards of a written con- 
stitution and trial by jury. Here, also, we see 
first the Christian religion recognized and pro- 
tected by the government ; regular and ex- 
emplary Christian churches ; and flourishing 
schools extensively established, and in many 
instances taught by native Cherokees." 

The Cherokees of the Arkansas are a branch 
of the old nation ; their territory lies west- 
ward of the Mississippi river, and north of the 
Arkansas, in the territory of the same name. 
They have emigrated from their native coun- 
try since the year 1804 ; chiefly between the 
years 1816 and 1820. 



APPENDIX. 



137 



The American board commenced a mission 
among them in 1820, at a place since named 
D wight. The reader, who is desirous of as- 
certaining the precise location of this interest- 
ing point in that great territory, may direct 
his eye, on a map, to the western bank of the 
Illinois creek, about four miles from its junc- 
tion with the Arkansas. The distance of 
Dwight from the mouth of the Arkansas, fol- 
lowing the course of the river, is about five 
hundred miles ; and, in a direct line, about 
two hundred. 

The Cherokees of the Arkansas are not 
subject to the jurisdiction of their brethren 
east of the Mississippi. Though a colony, 
they legislate for themselves. But they follow 
the example, which is there set them, with 
commendable zeal, and have made much ad- 
vance in their government towards a regular 
organization. 

The mission has exerted an important in- 
fluence, and is growing in favour with the 
people. The missionaries make frequent ap- 
pointments to preach the gospel in different 
districts, and are heard by attentive and in- 
creasing congregations. They seldom meet 
with an individual from any part of the nation, 
who fails to request a visit to his neighbour- 
hood for the purpose of preaching the gospel. 
For two successive years, Mr. Washburn has 



138 



APPENDIX, 



been invited to preach before the national 
council on the Sabbath. During the session in 
1826, he also attended prayers with the coun- 
cil daily. In the autumnal session of 1827, 
this duty was performed, twice a day, by 
David Brown, the brother of Catharine. 



THE END. 



PRAYING PARENTS A BLESSING. 



To have our being in a Christian country, 
where sacred Sabbaths are observed, the true 
Gospel is faithfully preached, the ordinances 
of religion are established, and the word of 
God is widely circulated, is one of the most 
valuable privileges bestowed on intelligent 
beings : and of a similar character, for im- 
portance and utility, is the privilege of being 
blessed with parents who fear and love God ; 
parents who are not only concerned for the 
welfare of the bodies of their children, but 
also for the salvation of their souls, — their in- 
terest through the fleeting years of time, but 
more especially so for their well-being in 
eternity. To be taught in early life to remem- 
ber God, to fear his displeasure ; to seek his 
favour, and obey his commands ; to be trained 
up in the duties of reading the Holy Scriptures, 
frequenting the house of worship, kneeling at 
the family altar, and of shunning the company 
of the wicked, — are real blessings, and tokens 
of sincere parental affection. But how many 
young persons are insensible to the worth of 
these favours ! How many account the obser- 
vance of these things a yoke of bondage ! How 
many look forward to a period when, freed 
from the restraint of their parents, they shall 
be at full liberty to choose and act for them- 



% 



PRAYINQ PARENTS A BLESSING. 



selves ! How many estimate the affection of 
their parents for them, by the latitude granted 
to them to live in the omission of religious 
duties, by the worldly amusements they are 
allowed to pursue, by the costly apparel with 
which they are adorned, and the money 
which is given them to spend in the follies of 
life! How many see nothing lovely in that 
holy example which continually lives before 
them; and place no value on those fervent 
prayers which are daily offered to God for 
them ! It was under the influence of this 
spirit, that a thoughtless youth inquired of his 
aged pious parent, 11 Father, what have you 
done for me ?" It was not in the power of this 
father to reply, "Son, I have given thee a 
learned education, houses and land, titles and 
dignities among men." But he had done for 
him what manifested the purity, strength, and 
wisdom of his love ; and what might be far 
more conducive to his son's real happiness than 
learning, wealth, or honours. " I have," he 
replied 1 1 offered to God thousands of pray ers for 
thee." Kind, affectionate parent ! Highly- 
favoured child, to be taken so repeatedly, with 
a parent's love, to the throne of grace, in fer- 
vent prayer! For thus to be brought to God, 
thus to be offered to God, and thus to be com- 
mended to the blessing of God, is a privilege 
of an inestimable value. And how many chil- 
dren are thus favoured, for whom, clay and 
wight, unceasing prayer is made to God by their 



PRAYING PARENTS A BLESSING. 3 

parents for their happiness ; and who can tell 
the advantages derived from such kindness ? 
It may be confidently asserted, that eternity 
only can unfold the evils children have been 
preserved from, and the mercies which have 
been granted to them, in answer to such suppli- 
cations. To these, it may be assumed, man 
are indebted for continued life, restoration to 
health, deliverance from danger, numerous 
convictions of sin which they have felt, fre- 
quent strivings of the Spirit of God, rich for- 
bearance of divine grace, and the various 
offers of mercy and salvation which have been 
presented to them. Had not their parents 
prayed for them, there is reason to conclude 
that many young persons would have been 
so far left to the perverseness of their own 
hearts, that they would have run so rapidly 
in the path of ruin, as to have fallen long ago 
into the pit of destruction. It might be in 
answer to the prayers of their parents ; that 
conscience alarmed them when on the verge 
of that great transgression they so narrowly 
escaped ; that the Spirit of God so powerfully 
convicted them of its malignity ; and that re- 
straining grace was imparted to them : that 
transgression, which, had they dared to com- 
mit it, might have stamped their character 
with infamy, blasted all their worldly pros- 
pects, and proved their eternal misery. It 
probably was in answer to the prayer of their 
parents, that Providence smiled on their path. 



4 PRAYING PARENTS A BLESSING. 



opened their way to that respectable situation 
and profitable employment which led to their 
present comfort, distinction, and prospects. 
In answer to the prayers of parents, many 
are indebted for their practical knowledge of 
the truths of piety, and the enjoyment of the 
things of God. Then let not the young con- 
clude that nothing has been done for them 
by their parents, who, unable to bestow on 
them worldly possessions, have offered to God 
thousands of prayers for them. Let them 
highly esteem this privilege of their birth ; 
and remember who hath said, " Where much 
is given, much is also required." To them 
God has been exceedingly gracious ; their ad- 
vantages for life and godliness are numerous 
and great over those children whose parents 
have not the fear of God before their eyes. 
But let none presume on the prayers of their 
parents to continue in sin, or rest upon them 
their hopes of eternal life. Religion must be 
personal, in order to be saving. It is written, 
that when God enters into judgment with 
men, even Noah, Daniel, and Job, can de- 
liver neither son nor daughter ; they shall but 
deliver their own souls by their righteous- 
ness. (Ezek. xiv. 12—20.) 




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